If you prefer to write a letter, use this address: Freepost EASS Helpline FPN6521 Don’t send any documents when you write to them - they’ll ask for anything they need when they reply. You can contact EASS using British Sign Language (BSL) - check how to use the BSL service. Whether harassment qualifies as illegal depends on several factors, including the type of behaviour. For example, petty slights, annoyances, and isolated incidents (i.e. a hand on your arm, a comment about your clothing) may be inappropriate, but are not necessarily illegal. However, a hand on your breast, inappropriate jokes, or threats are more likely illegal.
If you're being harassed or bullied at work This advice applies to England Harassment is where someone creates an atmosphere that makes you feel uncomfortable - this could be because you feel offended, intimidated or humiliated. If you’re being bullied, your situation might also be harassment under the Equality Act 2010. If it is, you can take action under that law. If the bullying isn't harassment under the Equality Act you might be able to deal with the problem another way. It might be harassment if someone has:
verbally abused you asked very personal questions, for example about your disability or religion put up posters that make you feel uncomfortable made rude physical gestures or facial expressions towards you told you jokes of a sexual nature made comments you find offensive, for example on social media If your colleagues say the behaviour was just friendly banter, it might still be harassment if it meets the definition of harassment in the Equality Act. If the harassment is very serious, it might also be a crime. For example, it’s a crime if someone has sexually assaulted you or made physical threats. Contact the police if you’re worried about your safety.
Your Right to Report Sexual Misconduct and Harassment 11