Researcher explains the community’s role in countering sexual harassment
Satu Venäläinen, a social psychology researcher at the University of Helsinki, said that a person who commits sexual harassment or other inappropriate behavior is likely to continue doing so if they are not exposed and do not face clear negative consequences. This was reported by YLE News amid accusations against Kaskinen city leader Markku Lumio.
Three women accused Lumio of inappropriate behavior, including repeated hugging, comments about appearance, and showing a sexual video. Kaskinen’s city executive board on Tuesday issued him a reprimand for inappropriate behavior. A proposal to establish a temporary committee was rejected in a tense vote.
Lumio largely denied the accusations. One criminal report was also filed in the case. Four years ago, similar accusations led to his resignation as head of the Kauhava municipality.
Silence may enable continuation
Venäläinen did not comment directly on Lumio’s case, but described the issue from the perspective of social psychology. According to her, the dominant culture and the community can either create conditions for harassment or deny such an opportunity.
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The researcher noted that in a culture of violence, harassment may be downplayed, blame may be placed on the person who experienced it, or the behavior may be normalized by presenting it as a joke or supposedly mutual action. Fear of shame, she said, can sustain silence not only among those affected but also within the community as a whole.
Response mechanisms are needed
Venäläinen believes that the ultimate responsibility for one’s actions lies with the person themselves. At the same time, focusing only on that person may overlook the broader context and power relations, especially when the person accused of harassment holds a privileged position.
She believes that change begins when other people, not only the direct participants, learn about the situation. Organizations need intervention mechanisms and specific rules to prevent harassment from recurring. The researcher also stressed that the person who reported harassment should first and foremost be listened to, supported, and believed.
