Male Victims of Workplace Sexual Harassment: Rights and Legal Options in NJ

Sexual harassment in the workplace is often talked about as an issue that only affects women. But the reality is that men can also be victims — and in many cases, they suffer in silence due to stigma, fear of retaliation, or the mistaken belief that the law doesn't protect them.

If you're a man who’s been harassed at work (by a female supervisor, a male coworker, or anyone else), you have just as much right to be protected under the law as anyone else.

This article explores the legal rights of male victims in New Jersey, what male sexual harassment can look like, and the steps you can take to protect yourself and seek justice.

Understanding Sexual Harassment: Gender Doesn’t Matter

Sexual harassment is not limited to any one gender, sexual orientation, or workplace role. It can happen in any industry and to anyone, including men. 

In fiscal year 2024, the U.S. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) received more than 88,000 workplace discrimination complaints — 9% more than the previous year. 

Awareness around workplace harassment is increasing. Roughly 70% of U.S. adults now believe that individuals who engage in sexual harassment or assault at work are more likely to face consequences than they were five years ago. Additionally, about 60% say that people who report such misconduct are taken more seriously today than in the past.

In New Jersey, state law protects all employees from sexual harassment. The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) makes it illegal to harass someone based on sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation — and that includes men being harassed by other men or by women.

What Sexual Harassment Looks Like for Male Victims

Sexual harassment can come in many forms: it doesn’t always look like what we see in movies or TV. For male sexual harassment victims in NJ, it may be more subtle, more humiliating, or more likely to be brushed off as “just how the office is”. But even if it’s “just joking”, it can still be qualified as sexual harassment.

Here are common forms of workplace sexual harassment male workers might face:

1. Unwanted Sexual Advances

• Persistent flirtation or propositions
• Requests for sexual favors in exchange for work benefits
• Physical contact such as touching, hugging, or brushing against someone unnecessarily

2. Verbal Harassment

• Sexual jokes or innuendos directed at you
• Comments about your appearance or body
• Discussions of sexual experiences meant to make you uncomfortable

3. Non-Verbal Conduct

• Lewd gestures
• Sharing of inappropriate photos or messages
• Being stared at in a sexual way

4. Same-Sex Harassment

Men may also be harassed by other men. This could be based on sexuality, perceived masculinity, or dominance. In New Jersey, same-sex harassment is clearly illegal, and courts do not require the harasser to be motivated by sexual desire — hostility or power dynamics are enough to qualify.

5. Gender-Based Hostility

Sometimes, male victims face harassment that isn’t overtly sexual but is tied to gender stereotypes. For example:

• Being mocked for being “too sensitive”
• Being bullied for not fitting traditional male roles
• Being targeted because you’re a man in a female-dominated workplace

Under NJLAD, all of these can amount to unlawful harassment.

Legal Protections for Male Victims in New Jersey

Understanding your rights when facing sexual harassment is critical. The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) is one of the most robust anti-discrimination laws in the country. It prohibits sexual harassment based on sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation — these protections apply equally to men as well as women.

Key protections under NJLAD:

• Applies to employers of any size
• Covers both employees and job applicants
• Prohibits hostile work environment and quid pro quo harassment
• Bars retaliation for making a complaint

What Counts as Illegal Sexual Harassment?

In New Jersey, there are two main types of sexual harassment:

1. Quid Pro Quo Harassment

This occurs when a supervisor or person in authority offers job benefits (like promotions or raises) in exchange for sexual favors — or threatens job loss if you don’t comply. Situations like this often lead employees to file a sexual harassment complaint against a supervisor.

Example: Your manager says, “Go on a date with me or you won’t get the bonus this year.”

2. Hostile Work Environment

This occurs when harassment is so severe or frequent that it creates a work environment that is intimidating, hostile, or offensive.

Example: Your coworkers constantly make sexual jokes about you, send explicit memes, and your complaints are ignored by HR.

To be considered illegal, the conduct must be unwelcome, based on sex, and severe or pervasive enough to affect your work environment. Even seemingly harmless workplace flirting can be considered sexual harassment when it’s unwelcome or one-sided.

What to Do If You’re a Male Victim of Sexual Harassment in NJ

Employers may ignore sexual harassment reports from men, or be quick to dismiss complaints. But none of these reasons excuse or justify harassment. If you believe you're being harassed at work, here are the steps you can take to protect yourself:

1. Document Everything

Keep detailed records. Start a personal log that includes the original incident, when and how you reported it, and how your employer responded. Save any relevant emails, messages, or conversations. Social media DMs can serve as evidence of sexual harassment claim.

2. Review Company Policies

Most employers have an internal sexual harassment policy. Review it carefully and follow any procedures for reporting misconduct.

3. Report the Harassment Internally

Report the harassment to your supervisor, HR department, or another designated person. If the harasser is your supervisor, go to someone higher up or outside HR if necessary.

Put your complaint in writing and keep a copy for your records.

4. File a Complaint with a Government Agency

If your employer doesn’t take action or retaliates against you, you can file a complaint with:

• The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR)
• The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

Both agencies investigate harassment complaints and can help you pursue justice.

5. Talk to an Employment Attorney

An experienced sexual harassment lawyer in New Jersey can explain your rights, help you gather evidence, and determine whether you have a case worth pursuing in court.

You Deserve Respect and Legal Protection — No Matter Your Gender

The workplace should be a place of professionalism and safety — not a setting where anyone, regardless of gender, feels humiliated, targeted, or unsafe. Male victims of sexual harassment often suffer silently due to stigma, but the law sees no gender boundaries when it comes to basic dignity. 

Protection from harassment applies in all workplaces, including virtual ones. Remote work doesn't excuse sexual harassment, and it doesn't erase your rights.

If you've been harassed, discriminated against, or retaliated against at work, you deserve to have your voice heard. New Jersey law is here to protect you — and help you recover what you’re owed.

Contact Us for Legal Advice and a Free Consultation

If you’re a man who’s been sexually harassed at work, whether you're unsure if what happened to you is illegal or you're ready to take legal action — we’re here to help you navigate your next steps.

Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation with a sexual harassment attorney in New Jersey. We’ll listen to your story, explain your rights, and help you take the action you need.