In general, civil harassment is defined as abuse, threats of abuse, stalking, sexual assault, or significant harassment by someone you have not dated and with whom you do not have a strong connection, such as a neighbor, roommate, or acquaintance (that you have never dated). Such conduct may consist of any one or more of the following: physical acts, such as punching, kicking, and pushing/shoving; verbal acts, such as calling you names, insulting you, and threatening you; electronic acts, such as sending you messages on social media or posting photographs of you online; and other acts, such as blocking your exit with your car or sabotaging your property. Harassment can be done in the form of words, actions, or conditions created either directly or through third parties. For example, if a colleague repeatedly insults you outside of work hours, this would be considered harassment. So would photographing you without your consent and distributing those photos online, or spreading rumors about you that cause others to treat you negatively. If you think that you are being harassed, then it is important to take action now. Harassment has many forms, so no matter what type of behavior you experience, you should report it to someone who can help, such as a friend or family member, your employer, or your local law enforcement agency. Reported cases of harassment are investigated by police departments or other agencies across the country.