Understanding the Sexual Harassment Continuum

The Sexual Harassment Continuum: Understanding and Addressing Behavioral Spectrum

WGST 220: Gender-Based Violence | Rochester Institute of Technology

King A. Santiago

Dr. DeRooy

March 1st, 2026

Agenda / Overview

Module Framework

Introduction

Defining the Sexual Harassment Continuum

The Spectrum of Behaviors

Implications of the Continuum Approach

Contemporary Movements & Cultural Shifts

Prevention & Policy Recommendations

Conclusion & References

Introduction

Sexual harassment impacts individuals' well-being, safety, and dignity across many sectors

Historically, society viewed misconduct as binary: outright assault vs. harmless flirtation

This binary view fails to recognize the nuanced range of behaviors in between

The sexual harassment continuum offers a critical framework for understanding this spectrum

Ranges from microaggressions and unwelcome comments to severe acts of sexual violence

Recognizing the full range is essential for: prevention strategies, respectful environments, and proportionate responses

#MeToo movement has heightened awareness of both subtle and overt forms of misconduct

Defining the Sexual Harassment Continuum

A gradual progression or spectrum of behaviors from minor to severe.

Harassment exists on a spectrum — from subtle microaggressions (inappropriate jokes, unwanted comments) to overt physical acts like sexual assault.

Behaviors often dismissed as minor can escalate if unaddressed.

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that explicitly or implicitly creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.

Even less obvious behaviors can contribute to a hostile environment if persistent or pervasive.

Microaggressions

Overt Harassment

Sexual Violence

The Spectrum of Behaviors

Low Severity:<br>Microaggressions

Subtle, often unintentional acts

Leering, inappropriate jokes

Unwelcome comments about appearance

Accumulate over time → significant psychological harm

(Source: UCSD, 2019)

Moderate:<br>Overt Harassment

Persistent unwelcome touching

Sexual advances

Coercive tactics

Violations of personal boundaries

Many women experience this in public spaces

Elicits fear and vulnerability

(Source: Stop Street Harassment, 2019)

High Severity:<br>Sexual Violence

Sexual assault, rape, violence

Coercion or physical force

Often preceded by lower-level behaviors

Escalation occurs when earlier behaviors are ignored or tolerated

(Source: UCSD, 2019)

Implications of the Continuum Approach

Early Intervention

Recognizing microaggressions as warning signs allows for intervention before escalation into more serious misconduct (UCSD, 2019)

Context & Intent Matter

Repeated or pervasive behaviors can be damaging regardless of intent

Policy Challenge

Organizations must develop policies addressing behaviors across the ENTIRE spectrum — not just criminal acts

Training Programs

Educating individuals about microaggressions and boundary violations promotes awareness

Proportionate Response

Differentiated response protocols enable fair disciplinary actions promoting accountability (EEOC, 1997)

Cultural Change

Foster environments where early behaviors are acknowledged and addressed promptly

The Harassment Continuum

Contemporary Movements & Cultural Shifts

The #MeToo Movement

Significantly advanced public understanding of the sexual harassment continuum and expanded structural awareness.

Illuminated how seemingly minor acts can have devastating psychological effects and continuously build a culture of silence.

Many victims experience behaviors that are NOT outright assault but still create deeply unsafe environments.

Encouraged victims to speak out against ALL forms of misconduct, prompting institutions to reevaluate response mechanisms.

Institutional Distrust

Students and employees increasingly distrust established processes and policies for addressing sexual misconduct.

Many students doubt whether reports of harassment will be taken seriously—especially lower-end incidents.

This widespread skepticism actively hinders reporting and perpetuates the dangerous dismissal of early warning behaviors.

Prevention & Policy Recommendations

Educational Programs

Raise awareness about microaggressions and boundary crossings

Encourage individuals to speak up and intervene (UCSD, 2019)

Legal Frameworks

Title IX (U.S.) has evolved to encompass broader understanding of harassment

Enforcement and institutional trust remain challenges

Transparent Institutional Processes

Low confidence in campus investigations (Gluckman, 2019)

Need for transparent, consistent, and fair procedures

Early Intervention

Address behaviors across the full spectrum — don't wait for escalation

Cultural Change

Shift norms to recognize and respond to ALL behaviors on the continuum

Victim Support

Robust support systems for those who come forward

Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways

Conclusion

The sexual harassment continuum provides a vital lens for understanding the complex, layered nature of sexual misconduct

Behaviors range from microaggressions to assault — all must be addressed promptly and proportionately

#MeToo amplified awareness of this spectrum, challenging societal norms and prompting institutional change

Moving forward: Foster environments that recognize and respond to behaviors across the full continuum

Goal: Promote safety, respect, and equality for all

Recognizing that behaviors range from microaggressions to assault underscores the importance of addressing all forms of misconduct promptly and proportionately.

References

EEOC. (1997).

Sexual harassment.

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/sexual-harassment

Gluckman, N. (2019, October 23). Students say they don't trust campus Title IX processes.

The Chronicle of Higher Education.

https://www.chronicle.com/article/Students-Say-They-Dont/247399

UCSD Center on Gender Equity and Health. (2019).

A national study on sexual harassment and assault.

Stop Street Harassment.

https://ucsdcenterongender.org

WGST 220: Gender-Based Violence | Rochester Institute of Technology | King A. Santiago | Dr. DeRooy | March 1st, 2026