"Victimhood" and the Implementation of Sexual Harassment Policy

Abstract

This article explores a critical policy conundrum Most organizations have sexual harassment policies, most employees are aware of such policies; there appears to be widespread agreement regarding the behaviors which constitute sexual harassment, and, substantial numbers of employees experience sexual harassment Yet, formal reporting rates are extremely low Several alternative "causes" of this conundrum are explored, that employees are not knowledgeable about procedures, that they prefer informal solutions, that victims fear or know of negative reactions to complaints, that incidents were judged to be too "minor" to warrant complaint, or that victims are reluctant to acknowledge that they are indeed victims of sexual harassment. Survey responses from employees in two public sector organizations indicate that fear of possible negative consequences and an unwillingness to admit to "victimhood" reduce formal reporting and hence represent roadblocks to full implementation of sexual harassment policies.