In response, many employers have introduced sensitivity training and instituted clear policies for handling complaints. At the extreme, that means the demand or hint that job benefits will be gained in return for favors. So, too, did their male colleagues, many of whom later said they also considered Astra's conduct offensive. As the Astra case suggests, few people have the fortitude or the financial wherewithal to blow the proverbial whistle. Economic need meant others put up with behavior they felt was degrading.
Nobody wants to go public with sexual harassment.
Former employees say that in many cases where women with evidence of harassment or retaliation threatened suits, Astra settled to avoid legal sanction. In return, those women agreed to keep silent. As a result, for the executives charged with harassment, there was no real penalty. Worse, they appear to have used shareholder funds to protect themselves. Yon denies that Astra paid off women in exchange for their silence.