SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: Sexual harassment is an asymmetric kind of violence; it shows the asymmetries in the relation- ships between genders, which is characteristic of the patriarchal culture. This thematic has not much investigation in the university environment but has great repercussions for the victim. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross- sectional study a survey was used for the recollection of data using 205 students if the University of Manizales, Manizales (Colombia). The sample size was calculated based on a population of 3584 students. RESULTS: During stay at the university a frequency of 6.8% of sexual harassment was found, this was found only in the first 4 seme- sters, mostly which were propitiated by teachers (50%), 21.4% caused by classmates (male and female in same proportion). The impacts generated by the event were the entire great amount of options given in the survey (11.8%). Only 7.1% made a claim, and of those only 66.7% obtained any help. 47.1% has been victim of blackmail and intimidation to keep them from making a claim. 29.4% of the harassed were under the influence of psychoac- tive substances. 23.5% consider that they (in part) propitiated the harassment. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual harassment is an assault on fundamental rights, which also exists at the University of Manizales, although compared with other studies the frequency isn't as high, it becomes a problem one should intervene.