If you go to your employer with a complaint about someone sexually harassing you, they might be genuinely surprised. They might tell you that this is the first time anyone has ever reported such a thing, be that in that workplace or against the particular person.
Yet, often, your report will not be the first occasion sexual harassment has occurred in the workplace or even by that person.
Most goes unreported
The majority of sexual harassment in the workplace is never reported to the employer, let alone a higher authority. Here are some of the reasons for this.
Fear of retaliation
While it is illegal for employers to retaliate against someone who reports sexual harassment, some of them do. This could be particularly likely if they are trying to protect the person you accuse, such as if it is a friend or someone they value. Firing people, demoting them or overlooking them for promotions are just some of the forms retaliation could take.
Low expectation of action
Sometimes employees get the impression that reporting issues is a waste of time. They do this when they hear others had poor experiences from filing a report, or when the employer just does not seem to care about their workers’ wellbeing, or does not seem to get how certain comments or actions could make people feel uncomfortable.
It does not matter whether your employer is genuinely surprised when you make a report, or is feigning surprise. They have a duty to take your complaint seriously. If they don’t, you may need legal guidance to explore your options.