Sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and unwelcome verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that occurs in the workplace place or the learning place.

Governmental agencies charged with enforcing laws against discrimination (such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights, and the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing), may take action against an employer or educational institution whose employees or students engage in sexual harassment.

An employer or institution may be sued for damages (monetary relief) by a person who claims to be the victim of sexual harassment. The damage awards courts make in sexual harassment lawsuits can be large--sometimes in excess of one million dollars.

Most judges and legal experts agree that the goal of laws against sexual harassment is to prevent discrimination on the basis of sex.

Federal and state laws prohibit two generally recognized forms of sexual harassment: quid pro quo and hostile environment.