Sexual harassment in the workplace is unlawful. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) prohibits unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal, physical, or visual conduct of a sexual nature.
The PHRA considers these behaviors sexual harassment when submission to them is required either explicitly or implicitly, when a submission or rejection of such conduct is used to make an employment decision and when such behavior creates a hostile work environment.
Unfortunately, sexual harassment in the workplace is underreported. Multiple studies have been done over the years to understand why workers rarely report sexual harassment. Here are some common reasons.
Lack of evidence
When an employee lacks evidence, they may feel like they won’t be believed. Therefore, they choose not to report it. This can be the case when harassment occurs in an area without surveillance cameras or witnesses or when a behavior seems so “subtle” that an individual questions if it’s enough to warrant an investigation.
Normalization
Some behaviors of a sexual nature are normalized in certain workplaces. When everyone in the office seems okay when inappropriate comments or unwanted advances are made, an employee can feel pressured to downplay a behavior that creates a hostile work environment.
Fear of retaliation
A victim may avoid reporting sexual harassment because of fear of retaliation. They may fear being demoted, transferred to undesirable shifts, passed over for promotions or dismissed. Such fear can even be more intense in tight job markets or when unemployment is high.
Poor reporting channels
Some workplaces do not have a clear reporting channel for sexual harassment cases or employees do not have faith in it because it has failed to protect previous victims.
If you have been the victim of sexual harassment, it’s crucial to take action. Get more information on how to protect your rights and career.
