EEOC Decision to Rescind Harassment Guidance Will Put More Women at Risk, Soler Warns
Statement of Esta Soler,
President and Founder, Futures Without Violence
January 23, 2026
Contact: Lisa Lederer, 202/371-1997
“It is disappointing that the EEOC (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) rescinded a badly needed guidance prohibiting harassment in the workplace, without even allowing for comment. Employers need to be aware of how pervasive harassment is in the workplace and how it manifests for employees, so they can adopt comprehensive policies to stop and address it. The EEOC Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace provided that, especially in the context of sexual harassment, and we strongly urge EEOC commissioners to reconsider this damaging move. The omission of this critical language leaves us all in the dark, putting more women at risk, and undermining the economic security for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. It should be reinstated immediately.
“Many workers have survived domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking, and they are at risk for harassment based on their status as victims. A recent report from FUTURES and the National Domestic Violence Hotline found that 56% of survivors were employed while they were experiencing domestic violence and 22% of sexual assault survivors were working when they were sexually assaulted. Half of sexual assault survivors (50%) experienced workplace harassment based on their victimization, and 23% of domestic violence survivors experienced harassment and/or discrimination based on their status as victims.
“That’s why Futures Without Violence pressed for this EEOC Guidance, which is needed as badly today as it was when it was adopted. It contains the first recognition that survivors of domestic violence and sexual violence are employees and the first description of the harassment they experience based on their status as victims in official EEOC Harassment Guidance. It is also the only resource containing clear information about how Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 may prohibit harassment against survivors. Rescinding it without an opportunity for comment denies survivors and their advocates the chance to explain its significance and the need for it to remain in place. We urge the EEOC to reverse this decision now.”
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ABOUT FUTURES WITHOUT VIOLENCE:
For almost 40 years, FUTURES has been providing groundbreaking programs, policies and campaigns that empower individuals and organizations working to end violence against women and children around the world. Striving to reach new audiences and transform social norms, FUTURES trains professionals such as doctors, nurses, judges and athletic coaches on improving responses to violence and abuse. FUTURES also works with advocates, policymakers and others to build sustainable community leadership and educate people everywhere about the importance of respect and healthy relationships. More information is available at www.futureswithoutviolence.org.
