Newswise — A recent research conducted at the University of Exeter, sponsored by the Economic and Social Research Council, and published in the Psychology of Women Quarterly, revealed that individuals who have experienced sexual harassment prioritize various needs beyond seeking justice when dealing with such incidents. The study found that concerns related to safety were deemed more crucial than pursuing justice in the aftermath of harassment.
The findings from the research shed light on the possible reasons behind the underreporting of sexual harassment incidents. According to the 2017 Crime Survey conducted in England and Wales, it was revealed that a staggering majority of individuals, specifically five out of six, who experience sexual offenses choose not to formally report the incidents to the police. This research provides a potential explanation for this trend.
In a comparative analysis, researchers examined responses from a confidential online survey, distinguishing between individuals who had experienced sexual harassment and those who had not but were prompted to imagine their reactions. The study revealed that individuals who had personally experienced sexual harassment reported a diverse array of needs and employed various strategies to address them. Prioritizing safety, personal control, and social support, these individuals placed less emphasis on formal actions such as reporting the incidents to the police. Conversely, individuals who had not encountered sexual harassment anticipated having more pronounced needs and were more inclined to take actions, particularly formal ones.
According to Professor Manuela Barreto, the senior author from the University of Exeter, the study revealed a prevalent belief that swift and formal reporting represents the appropriate course of action when it comes to addressing sexual harassment. This notion is commonly associated with the phrase "coming forward." However, the research indicates that the majority of individuals who experience sexual harassment do not formally report it, and even those who do often delay reporting the incident significantly. While procedural obstacles with law enforcement and other authorities are frequently discussed as potential reasons, less consideration is given to the actual needs of the individuals who have experienced sexual harassment.
The findings of our research indicate a disparity between the expectations society holds regarding the response of individuals who have been sexually harassed and the actual ways in which they react. It is crucial to recognize that the emotions and behaviors of those who have experienced sexual harassment may differ significantly from those who have not. Rather than solely questioning why individuals do not come forward more frequently, we should shift our focus towards determining the most appropriate course of action for each individual based on their unique circumstances.
In two separate studies, researchers examined responses from participants who had personally experienced sexual harassment regarding the actions they took. Additionally, they compared these responses to those from participants who had not experienced sexual assault but were asked to imagine their reactions if they did. The first study involved 415 participants of various genders (259 with personal experience, 156 imaginers), where no significant gender differences were found. Based on this, the second study focused exclusively on women (589 participants – 301 with personal experience, 288 imaginers), as they are more commonly subjected to sexual harassment.
Professor Thomas Morton, the lead author of the study, conducted the research while at the University of Exeter and is currently affiliated with the University of Copenhagen. He emphasized that there is a common assumption that individuals who experience sexual harassment are primarily driven by their pursuit of justice. However, the research findings challenge this notion by revealing that people's needs extend beyond what is typically expected. These needs encompass elements such as safety, personal control, and a desire for life to return to normalcy. Interestingly, among the various needs expressed by participants, the need for justice was not the highest priority. This insight may help elucidate why individuals do not always take formal actions, such as reporting the incidents to the police, as others might anticipate.
Accusations are frequently made, even in recent high-profile cases, that individuals who do not come forward immediately after experiencing sexual harassment undermine the seriousness or veracity of their claims. However, it is challenging for those who have not experienced sexual harassment to accurately anticipate their own needs and subsequent actions in such situations. The research findings indicate that the assumptions made by others are often incorrect or, at the very least, do not align with the expressed needs of individuals who have experienced sexual harassment.
The paper is entitled “What Would a “Reasonable Person” Do? Exploring the Gap Between Experienced and Anticipated Responses to Sexual Harassment”, and is published in Psychology of Women Quarterly.
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