When Sexual Harassment Training Backfires: Why Bystander Intervention is the Game-Changer
By Casey laplante
The YouTube video "When Sexual Harassment Training Backfires" by World Health Organization (WHO) explores how conventional approaches to sexual harassment training have not always been as effective as intended. In fact, research suggests that some mandatory compliance-based training sessions can inadvertently reinforce gender stereotypes, create resistance, and fail to produce meaningful behavioral change. The video examines how some corporate sexual harassment training programs can backfire by focusing too narrowly on liability, compliance, and legalese, in lieu of addressing the attitudes, behaviors, values, and norms that tolerate and perpetuate harm. Studies show that certain training models can further reinforce bias, specifically surrounding gender roles, increasing defensiveness and in some cases, rates of harassment.
At the 13-minute mark, the discussion takes a more constructive turn highlighting an approach that has demonstrated proven success (and one that Soteria Solutions is particularly invested in) – bystander intervention training.
Why Bystander Intervention Works
Bystander intervention training shifts the focus away from individuals who perpetrate and/or experience harm and instead, engages communities in collective prevention efforts. By connecting the attitudes, values, and behaviors that escalate to harassment and violence, individuals explore how harm is understood and experienced within their professional communities. This shared understanding of harm can help empower individuals to acknowledge, confront, and disrupt harmful behaviors before they escalate. This is due in large part to structures, policies, and leadership that validate and reinforce positive behaviors, evoking a collective responsibility for safety and respect. The video specifically cites evidence from college campuses and the military, where bystander intervention strategies have been rigorously studied and found to reduce instances of harassment and assault.
Unlike traditional training, which can sometimes provoke backlash, bystander intervention programs encourage proactive engagement and equip participants with practical tools to intervene safely and effectively. This approach not only changes behavior but also fosters a workplace culture where harassment is less likely to occur in the first place.
Soteria Solutions: Leading the Way in Effective Training
The effectiveness of bystander intervention is further supported by a Harvard Business Review article by Frank Dobbin and Alexandra Kalev (2020), which critiques traditional sexual harassment training methods and highlights innovative alternatives. On page 47, the article specifically recognizes the work of Soteria Solutions’ founders, Sharyn Potter and Jane Stapleton, and their groundbreaking programs, Bringing in the Bystander® (BITB) and Know Your Power® (KYP).
Developed at the University of New Hampshire, these programs have become gold standards in harassment prevention, providing research-backed training that helps organizations build cultures of respect and accountability. By equipping individuals with the skills and confidence to intervene, Soteria Solutions’ programs have been instrumental in transforming responses to harassment in workplaces, colleges, and beyond.
The Future of Workplace Harassment Prevention
As organizations and institutions seek more effective and research-supported approaches, bystander intervention continues to emerge as a leading solution. The combination of engaging training methods, community accountability, and evidence-based strategies makes it a powerful tool for creating lasting cultural change.
To learn more about the importance of bystander intervention and how it can benefit your organization, watch the YouTube video "When Sexual Harassment Training Backfires", and read the Harvard Business Review article by Dobbin & Kalev (2020).
Sources:
YouTube: When Sexual Harassment Training Backfires – Watch Below by World Health Organization (WHO)
Harvard Business Review: Dobbin & Kalev (2020) – Read Here
For more information on Bringing in the Bystander® (BITB) or Know Your Power® (KYP) training programs, visit Soteria Solutions and discover how we can help transform your workplace culture. Contact us below or share your thoughts or questions at info@soteriasolutions.org.