Addressing workplace sexual harassment requires a thoughtful, supportive approach. Implementing human-centred reporting processes for sexual harassment can help organisations create systems that prioritise individuals’ safety, trust, and wellbeing. These approaches work together to ensure victims feel heard, supported, and respected when they report incidents.
What Are Human-Centred Reporting Processes For Sexual Harassment?
Human-centred reporting focuses on the needs, emotions, and experiences of individuals during the reporting process. Rather than prioritising organisational goals or compliance, this approach ensures individuals feel valued and supported. As a result, people are more likely to come forward, confident that their concerns will be taken seriously.
Key principles of human-centred reporting include:
- Prioritising individuals’ emotional and psychological safety.
- Tailoring responses to the unique circumstances of each case.
- Emphasising empathy, fairness, and respect in every interaction.
This approach differs from traditional systems, which often focus solely on resolving issues in ways that protect the organisation. By shifting the focus to individuals, human-centred reporting builds trust and fosters a supportive environment.
How Does Trauma-Informed Reporting Relate to Human-Centred Reporting Processes for Sexual Harassment?
Trauma-informed reporting is a specialised framework within human-centred processes. It recognises that individuals who report sexual harassment may experience trauma, which can affect their emotional state and ability to engage with standard procedures. While human-centred reporting prioritises individuals’ needs overall, trauma-informed practices specifically address the emotional and psychological challenges associated with trauma.
Trauma-informed reporting:
- Acknowledges the impact of trauma on memory, communication, and behaviour.
- Adapts processes to avoid retraumatisation, which is when individuals feel additional harm during reporting or investigations.
- Builds trust and promotes healing by providing clear, empathetic, and supportive procedures.
By combining these two approaches, organisations can create systems that encourage reporting while minimising harm and ensuring fair outcomes.
Principles of Human-Centred and Trauma-Informed Reporting
1. Safety
Safety is the foundation of both approaches. Victims should feel secure emotionally, physically, and culturally throughout the reporting process.
How to apply this principle:
- Create private, confidential spaces for individuals to share their experiences.
- Use measures that protect victims from retaliation.
- Limit the number of times individuals must recount their experiences to reduce stress.
2. Empathy and Respect
Both frameworks emphasise treating individuals with empathy and respect, which helps them feel valued and understood.
How to apply this principle:
- Use compassionate and non-judgemental language during all interactions.
- Validate victims’ emotions and experiences without placing blame.
- Acknowledge the courage it takes to report and ensure the individual feels heard.
3. Voice and Empowerment
Empowering individuals by giving them control over the reporting process is essential. This principle ensures individuals feel they have a say in how their concerns are handled.
How to apply this principle:
- Offer multiple reporting pathways, such as anonymous options or third-party mediation.
- Allow victims to decide how much detail they want to share and when they are ready to share it.
- Avoid rigid timelines for reporting, which can create unnecessary pressure.
4. Trust and Transparency
Building trust ensures individuals feel confident engaging in the reporting process. Transparency fosters confidence in the system’s fairness and integrity.
How to apply this principle:
- Clearly explain the reporting process, timelines, and potential outcomes at the outset.
- Communicate updates regularly to keep victims informed.
- Use trained professionals who understand trauma’s effects on memory and communication.
5. Collaboration
Collaboration reduces power imbalances and encourages individuals to participate actively in decision-making.
How to apply this principle:
- Include victims in discussions about next steps, such as choosing between informal or formal resolution pathways.
- Work with individuals to identify supportive measures like counselling or workplace adjustments.
- Ensure victims feel they are partners in the process, not passive participants.
6. Individualised Responses
Both approaches recognise that no two cases are alike. Personalising responses ensures each individual’s unique needs and circumstances are addressed.
How to apply this principle:
- Tailor responses based on cultural, gender, and emotional considerations.
- Avoid generic solutions that fail to consider personal context.
- Offer culturally safe reporting options, such as access to interpreters or culturally aligned advocates.
How to Implement Human-Centred and Trauma-Informed Reporting
Provide Accessible Reporting Channels
To make reporting easier, organisations should offer multiple options. For instance, victims could report incidents through anonymous online systems, direct conversations with HR, or external services.
Train Staff on Trauma Awareness
Staff, including HR professionals and investigators, should receive training to understand trauma and its effects. This training ensures interactions with victims are sensitive and supportive.
Create Supportive Investigation Processes
Investigations should focus on gathering accurate information while minimising harm to victims. For example, limiting the number of interviews can help reduce stress and retraumatisation.
Offer Flexible Resolution Pathways
Resolution options should prioritise healing and systemic change. These could include mediation, workplace adjustments, or organisational training alongside disciplinary actions.
Benefits of Human-Centred and Trauma-Informed Reporting
By adopting these approaches, organisations can:
- Encourage Reporting: Victims are more likely to come forward when they feel safe and supported.
- Improve Investigations: Sensitive practices produce more reliable and comprehensive information.
- Build Trust: Transparent processes create confidence in organisational systems.
- Foster Inclusion: Recognising diverse needs ensures fair treatment for everyone.
Additional Resources
For further guidance on implementing human-centred and trauma-informed reporting processes, organisations can refer to:
- Respect@Work’s person-centred approaches to workplace sexual harassment
- Respect@Work’s reporting avenues
- Champions of Change Coalition: Disrupting the System
By embedding these principles into reporting systems, organisations can create safer workplaces that prioritise respect, fairness, and accountability.