According to civil harassment statutes, "harassment" is defined as: unlawful violence, such as assault or battery or stalking; OR a credible threat of harm, and the violence or threats substantially fear, irritate, or bother someone for no legitimate cause. Harassment can be either verbal or non-verbal. Examples of verbal harassment include calling someone names or making derogatory comments about their race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. Non-verbal harassment includes physical acts, such as throwing something at someone or hitting them with an object. This type of harassment can be done in a public space or where there is no chance of being caught. Physical harassment can also be done in private spaces through actions such as punching, kicking, or beating up on someone. Sexual harassment occurs when someone uses their status or influence over you to make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. This may include sexual advances, inappropriate comments, and other verbal or non-verbal behaviors that would make you feel humiliated or intimidated. Harassment can come in many forms, but if you are being harassed, it is important to tell someone about the situation. If nothing is done about the harasser, they might continue to act inappropriately with out notice. But if you report the incident, then the person harassing you will be punished if charged with a crime. California has some of the strongest anti-harassment laws in the country.