I have read so many posts about sexual assault, inappropriate behaviour from co-workers and bosses, and many more things. Every time, the most upvoted responses are “report them”.
It is never that simple. In these cases, power dynamics matter, seniority matters, personal office relationships matter, public relations matter, money matters.
If something potentially criminal has happened to you, find a lawyer, collect evidence, protect yourself.
When you report it to HR or your manager, their first job is to protect the company. They will take it to their lawyers, they will take it to their leaders. All these people have their own careers to think about before yours. They will do what they think it’s best for them. Sometimes it may be to help you. Most of the times it’ll be their mandate: protect the organization.
I don’t mean to bad mouth HR workers. A lot of them mean well, are great professionals and great human beings. But systemically, HR’s job is to protect the company from liability first and foremost.
If you’re in your 2nd year with a company as a junior employee, the company may very well side with your agressor if they are a 15 year veteran with a huge history of delivering results and no “documented” prior cases.
Evidence is your best friend. Be smart out there.