While some people are wary of trusting HR in cases of sexual harassment, the members of the Delaware County Human Resource Association disagree, at least in their organizations, writes Jane Von Bergen for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

The issue was discussed during a monthly meeting of the association, which included a presentation on harassment delivered by Jonathan Segal, a partner at Duane Morris.

“Sometimes, people ask what the role of human resources is,” said Segal. “They have an obligation to protect the company, and they have an obligation to protect the employee.”

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He said that being in HR means being in the middle.

“If your leadership supports you, then I think you can protect the employees and the company,” he said.

But he did point out that the publicity surrounding sexual harassment can create problems for women. And while management may think things are not that bad, “senior leaders have to be vocal that they don’t accept that kind of conduct.”

Read more about sexual harassment in the workplace in the Philadelphia Inquirer by clicking here.