I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the issue of sexual harassment in the workplace and why it seems so rarely reported. Despite increased awareness and many organizations having policies in place, the number of formal complaints still feels disproportionately low compared to how widespread the problem is believed to be.

Why do you think this is the case? Here are some points I’ve been considering, but I’d love to hear your thoughts:

• Fear of Retaliation: Many victims might fear losing their job, being demoted, or facing other negative consequences if they speak up. This fear can be paralyzing, especially in workplaces where power dynamics are heavily skewed.
• Lack of Trust in the System: Some employees might feel that reporting harassment won’t lead to meaningful action or that their complaints won’t be taken seriously. This skepticism can discourage people from coming forward.
• Shame and Stigma: Victims often feel embarrassed or ashamed, worrying about being judged or blamed for the incident. This social stigma can be a considerable barrier to reporting.
• Unclear Reporting Procedures: Sometimes, employees don’t know how or where to report harassment, or the process might be too complicated or intimidating.
• Cultural and Social Norms: In some workplaces or industries, there might be a culture that downplays or normalizes inappropriate behaviour, making it harder for victims to identify harassment or feel justified in reporting it.

Last edited by CDavis (Yesterday 10:29 am)