Being offended and violated is a tad over-the-top BUT at the same time, if you're not happy with it then you're not happy with it and it has to be made clear that it can't go on.
As people have already said, don't go all "sue-crazy" and just have a word with her first but make it:
a) Quiet
b) Friendly
c) PRIVATE!
Just explain that you have your boundaries and that you'd like her to respect them. If she tries to laugh it off or gets the hump then informe her that if she doesn't stop then you will take it further. Hopefully the informal, private chat will do the trick as long as you remain firm and assertive but civil.
Do NOT let her just brush it off. If the sexes were reversed then you'd already have the feminist brigade outside your door with the pitchforks, lynch ropes and torches. Equality, remember?
You asked why you should confront her rather than immediately chuck the toys out the pram and I will tell you. If you go running to the boss, you could ruin someone's life and reputation for something relatively minor. It doesn't matter how close to retirement she is and how long do you think you'd last in the aftermath? For starters, everyone else will most likely be afraid to even speak to you and that will just make things worse for you as well as them. If you just take a breath and have the quiet word, like I said, then no-one else need be any the wiser and that should be the end of it. Man up and have a polite chat with her!
Anyway, if that doesn't work (which should be pretty unlikely), speak to her immediate superior and make sure that it's done formally. He/She should make notes and, when they've been transposed into a formal statement, both you and the boss should sign it so there is a record that the meeting took place. This is to cover your arse more than theirs because if nothing is done then you can say that you have filed a formal complaint that should have been upheld.
Anyway, that should normally do it, assuming the complaint is upheld and your boss has a word with your colleague. Don't let them sweep it under the carpet either. Until the matter is resolved, keep asking about it.
Does it show that I've had some experience in this area? Mine was for bullying / victimisation rather than sexual harrassment but the principle is the same.
Anyway, an informal chat with her should sort it all out and hopefully she's mature enough to say sorry and things will remain civil between you two because there's nothing worse than a bad atmosphere at work.
What I will say is that, should you have the chat and it's all good then LET THAT BE THE END OF IT! Never mention it again and move on. Don't say I didn't warn you.
Hope I was of some use.
Wardy
