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DEEQ
Sexual harassment is a deeply rooted issue that affects individuals across workplaces, schools, and communities, right here in Canada. According to a recent Statistics Canada survey, nearly half of Canadian women (47%) reported ever experiencing harassment or sexual assault in the workplace.
Despite how common these experiences are, many victims of sexual harassment do not report them. At Nisa Foundation, we know that silence is rarely a choice; it is shaped by fear, stigma, power dynamics, and lack of supportive systems.
So instead of asking “Why don’t victims speak up?”, we must ask:
What makes it difficult or unsafe for them to do so?
Sexual harassment and violence are among the most underreported harms in Canada. National data suggests that only a small fraction of sexual assaults are ever reported to police, as few as 6%, because survivors fear disbelief, retaliation, or negative consequences.
This gap between experience and reporting highlights how silence is often a response to real barriers, not a lack of courage or desire for justice.
Many survivors fear losing their job, damaging their reputation, or facing exclusion. This fear is especially strong when the harasser holds authority or influence.
Survivors may internalize the experience, feeling embarrassed or responsible, even though the harm is never their fault. These emotional barriers make speaking out extremely difficult.
A major deterrent to reporting is the fear of dismissal or victim-blaming. When people anticipate skepticism, they are less likely to come forward.
Sexual harassment often occurs in situations where there is a power imbalance, such as between employers and employees, educators and students, or leaders and community members.
Even when reporting mechanisms exist, many survivors feel they won’t lead to meaningful action. Data from federal workplace surveys shows that while around 20% of employees reported experiencing sexual harassment, formal reporting remains low, in part due to lack of trust in outcomes.
In some communities, including faith-based environments, survivors may feel pressure to remain silent to avoid stigma, protect family reputation, or maintain social harmony. Through Nisa Foundation’s Nisa Learning programs, we work to create culturally sensitive, judgment-free spaces where survivors feel respected and supported.
Trauma affects how survivors process experiences. Many need time to understand and articulate what happened before they feel ready to speak about it.
Instead of placing the burden on survivors, we must shift our perspective:
This shift moves us away from victim-blaming and toward accountability and care.
At Nisa Foundation, supporting women impacted by sexual harassment and abuse is central to our mission. We are committed to:
We recognize that breaking silence requires not only courage from survivors but also strong, trustworthy systems of support.
Creating meaningful change requires collective responsibility:
1. Listen Without Judgment: Believe survivors and validate their experiences.
2. Challenge Harmful Narratives: Speak out against victim-blaming and misinformation.
3. Build Safe and Supportive Spaces: Ensure environments where individuals feel secure reporting and sharing their experiences.
4. Increase Awareness: Education helps reduce stigma and empowers communities to respond appropriately.
5. Support Organizations Like Nisa Foundation: Community-based organizations play a vital role in providing accessible, culturally informed support.
Silence around sexual harassment is shaped by fear, stigma, power dynamics, and systemic gaps, not by lack of courage or truth.
At Nisa Foundation, we believe that breaking this silence requires compassion, awareness, and collective action. When survivors are met with belief, respect, and support, they are far more likely to come forward and begin the journey toward healing.
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