Here’s Why Women Don't Come Forward To file Sexual Harassment

Image: Shutterstock

Do you remember any instance at your workplace where a woman filed a complaint of Sexual Harassment? What happened after that? Did she continue working as before? Was she welcomed and greeted the same as before by her colleagues? Did she leave the company? Did she become distant? Did other women hesitate to come forward to complain?

According to the 'Safe Places to Work' Survey 2019, 27% of the women claimed to have faced some form of Sexual Harassment. The women who took the survey have experienced Sexual Harassment at least once in 3 days during their employment life cycle. Although the survey responses were anonymous, yet more than 62% of the participants chose not to reveal the harasser's profile. 

It is not difficult to file a complaint. The difficulties lie in what comes after filing a complaint. For instance, a research paper published by The Economic Times mentioned that close to 80% of women were aware of policies against sexual harassment at the workplace. However, almost 30% of women still hesitate to complain to the internal committee about such incidents. Moreover, more than half of the women respondents surveyed would not or are not sure about continuing to work in the same place where Sexual Harassment occurred.

Image: Shutterstock

But why do women hesitate to come forward?

Why Women Stay Silent About Sexual Harassment

• Sometimes, the action is part of the problem: Women face the disproportionate experience of Sexual Harassment and have to bear the burden of speaking the truth. Suddenly, from being an employee, she becomes 'the girl who got sexually harassed.' When colleagues see women as victims and do not extend their support, the action becomes part of the problem.
• You are asking someone to share their deepest pain: Women who go through such a traumatic incident experienced a massive wave of emotions. They get bewildered, depressed, and anxious. Colleagues and IC members must be careful because they are asking women to share their deepest pain. One wrong comment can add more to the existing torment for her.
• They ask insensitive and insensible questions: Sometimes, members of the IC ask questions regarding the incidents in an extremely insensitive way. Asking questions is not wrong. Of course, it is a part of the procedure and essential for the women to speak about it. But the concern here is the tone, manner, and language of the questions that are asked. The questions should be empathetic and carefully drafted so that women do not feel uncomfortable in answering them. Importantly, one needs to be a careful listener.

What Actually Happens After Women Come Forward?

Retaliation (Loss of opportunities, friends, time, income)

The fear of retaliation or victimization causes most women to avoid filing a complaint. 

Retaliation can take many forms – sometimes, they will be denied important projects and assignments. They may also be asked to report earlier than necessary and stay back late, without any work justification. In extreme cases, they might be forced to leave the organization. 

Colleagues Unsupportive Behavior

Moreover, women also feel alienated because of their colleagues' unsupportive behavior simply because 'they do not want to get into a mess.' 

Sexual Harassment Redressal Is Time Consuming

Another factor is when women go through such incidents; there are many investigations and procedures to follow. Most of their time is spent following up on the proceedings of the complaints.

This article has been contributed to Femina by Rainmaker Online Training Solutions Pvt Ltd.

Femina & Rainmaker, have partnered to spread awareness about harassment at workplace for the second phase of the #ActAgainstAbuse campaign. The second phase of this campaign aims to raise awareness to report real cases & recognise the companies who rank the highest in this survey of safe places to work and provide them with the knowledge they need to manage this challenging process.

Not acceptable. That's what we need to say to any and all forms of abuse, whether physical, emotional or psychological. We pledge to stand and speak up against workplace violence and urge you to #ActAgainstAbuse. Follow our campaign, #ActAgainstAbuse and learn about workplace abuse and what you can do to protect yourself.

Find more on domestic abuse, our campaign #ActAgainstAbuse, and ways to seek help here