Which of the following is a direct approach to confronting sexual harassment?

• A. Indirect Approach
• B. Chain of Command
• C. Third Party
• D. Direct Approach

Answer: (D)

Directly addressing the harasser means confronting the behavior yourself, clearly stating that it is unwanted, and asking it to stop. This approach sets an explicit boundary and communicates your expectations in a straightforward way, which often stops the behavior quickly. Using calm, specific language helps the other person understand exactly what acted as harassment and what change you require. For example, you can say, “I felt uncomfortable when you made those remarks about my appearance. Please stop making comments like that.”

This method is effective because it removes ambiguity and creates immediate accountability. If the harassment continues or you don’t feel safe to confront them, seek support from a supervisor, HR, or a trusted authority and document what happened. Indirect methods, waiting for someone else to intervene, or involving a third party can delay resolution and dilute your message, which is why the direct approach is the best first step when it’s safe to use.