They often fear retaliation, for example with grades or recommendations. They fear that their complaints will not be taken seriously, or that they will be perceived as causing trouble. Victims often blame themselves, and fear that others will also blame them, even though it is the harassing person's authority or influence that has been misused. Victims often change academic plans. They drop courses, change majors, drop out of school, change residence, avoid advisors, or neglect academic commitments or responsibilities to avoid an offending person.
Victims often have physical symptoms of stress, such as stomach problems or headaches.
They can also become depressed, moody, or irritable without knowing why. Victims are often confused about what is happening or what could be done about it.