Report finds fewer workers in Utah experience sexual harassment

LOGAN – An update from the Utah Women & Leadership Project reviewed sexual harassment complaints across the state and concluded that fewer sexual harassment cases are being reported in Utah.

“In Utah, the number of sexual harassment complaints has declined over the past two years, with only 0.6% of the population reporting such complaints to the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission),” the authors concluded.

On average, there are three to four reports of sexual harassment per 100,000 residents in Utah, the report says.

Good news, but problems remain for women in Utah

The report also highlights persistent problem areas, including employees who continue to work for an employer despite sexual harassment.

Dr. Susan Madsen, founding director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, said lower-income or service-sector workers are more likely to stay in jobs where sexual harassment occurs.

According to Madsen, many of these workers, who value their job security more than their comfort at work, cannot afford to leave their jobs.

Another reason employees stay in work situations where they are sexually harassed is fear of retaliation.

“These are people who need their jobs, whose salaries feed their children,” Madsen said. “(They) don’t have the luxury of just quitting, as some people would say.”

According to Madsen, 70 percent of people in Utah do not report incidents of workplace harassment for fear of retaliation.

Those most at risk and next steps

According to the report, dark-skinned women are more likely to be victims of sexual harassment. Age is another risk factor. Young people often work in situations where there is no supervisor and they are often unclear about how and to whom they can report sexual harassment.

According to the study, social media use among adolescents can also lead to a higher risk of sexual harassment.

The researchers conclude that Utah leaders and companies should focus on developing ethical leadership skills, bystander intervention training, and developing programs to create a healthy work environment.