Going to HR, wether by choice or not, is the last, optional step before one needs to leave a company, regardless of fault. HR isn's some magical department that

Going to HR, wether by choice or not, is the last, optional step before one needs to leave a company, regardless of fault. HR isn's some magical department that can fix such issues, and they're not likely to help. That's not their job. Their job is to minimize the impact of anything that might or might not have gone on the company, especially the legal impact. Sure, in theory, one could go to HR and work things out, but in practice, one will not be welcome at a company after doing so. HR does not work for the workers, it works to protect the company and executives. In a situation where one is up against more established employees, it's guaranteed to backfire. HR looks to minimize the damage, and that will usually not be in favor of the person claiming harassment.