IrelandI was sexually harassed by a colleague. What should I do?
Sexual harassment by a colleague is illegal under the Employment Equality Act 1998. You should report it internally first, then consider making a formal complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission within 6 months.
What the Law Says
The Employment Equality Act 1998 makes sexual harassment in the workplace unlawful. It defines what counts as sexual harassment and gives you clear legal protections and remedies.
Under Irish law, sexual harassment includes any unwanted verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that violates your dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.
This protection applies to all workers — employees, contractors, trainees, and job applicants — and covers behaviour by colleagues, supervisors, clients, or customers.
The law places responsibility on employers to prevent harassment and to take reasonable steps to address complaints.
Statutory Text‘sexual harassment’ means any form of unwanted verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature which has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity and which creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for the person
— Employment Equality Act 1998, s. 14A — Definition of sexual harassment
What to Do
Tell the harasser clearly — verbally or in writing — that their behaviour is unwelcome and must stop.
Check your employer’s internal grievance or dignity at work policy and follow the reporting process (e.g., speak to HR or a manager).
Keep notes of each incident: date, time, location, what was said/done, and any witnesses.
If internal resolution fails or isn’t possible, file a formal complaint with the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) within 6 months of the last incident.
You can get free advice and support from the WRC, Citizens Information, or the Equality Authority (now part of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission).
Sources
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US-CaliforniaNot legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.