VOICELESS VICTIMS: PRIVACY AND REPORTING PROCEDURES OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN PUBLIC GOVERNMENT AGENCIES Giselle WarrenApril 25, 2013

SCOPE OF RESEARCH Current Procedures for Addressing Sexual

Harassment in the Workplace Media Coverage and Publicity Efforts Employee Rights and Responsibilities Preventative Methods Confidentiality and Privacy Concerns Recommendations

INTRODUCTION

Sexual Harassment Defined EEOC Conceptual Definition: It is unlawful to

harass a person (an applicant or employee) because of that person’s sex. Harassment can include “sexual harassment” or unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.

Anyone can experience sexual harassment

CURRENT REPORTING PROCEDURES EEOC Enforcement Agency Outcome of 1994 United States Merit

Systems Protection Board Survey of Sexual Harassment in the Federal Workplace 83% of correspondents suggest reporting

behavior as the most effective way in stopping 78% are aware of the reporting procedures, but

only 6% of victims surveyed actually filed a formal complaint

Passive victims and their unwillingness of victims to report sexual harassment claims

SEXUAL HARASSMENT CASES IN THE MEDIA Transparency in the government

Freedom of Information Act Case of New Jersey

Paid millions of dollars in damages Corrections Officers Academy Pended charges for over seven years, accepted

$415,000

EMPLOYEE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Mediation, Grievances, EEO Processes,

Processes for Foreign Service Nationals Government Agencies are more Vulnerable

because: Email tracking systems Must set the standard because public agencies

enforce rules and regulations Unionized Work Environments

PREVENTING SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN THE WORKPLACE Gendered Processes

Gender segregation Training and Development

California AB 1825 Mandates any company with fifty employees or more

to require two hours of sexual harassment training for employees every two years

Goal is to avoid sexual harassment cases by raising awareness among employees

CONFIDENTIALITY & PRIVACY PROTECTION The Voiceless Victim The Office for Victims of Crime

Under the Department of Justice, agency established to create awareness of laws, statues, and regulations that establish legal rights regarding privacy and confidential communication

RECOMMENDATIONS Recognize gender inevitable gender

differences in the workplace Transparency and open access to public

records allows employees to be aware of their rights and responsibilities

Publicize penalties and encourage assertive actions on the part of the employees who are targets of unwanted sexual orientation

Extensive training programs for sexual harassment awareness

Questions?