The experience of attorney Ana Bejarano, detailed in a recent column, has reignited a critical conversation in Colombia about sexual harassment in positions of power and the significant obstacles victims face when attempting to report it. Bejarano’s account centers on an incident early in her career, while working as an assistant at the Constitutional Court of Colombia, and highlights a pattern of normalized behavior that continues to silence many. The issue of workplace harassment, particularly against women, is gaining increased attention across multiple sectors in Colombia, from the judiciary to media organizations.
Bejarano’s story isn’t one of overt aggression, she clarifies, but rather a subtle erosion of boundaries. She describes a culture where some magistrates pursued relationships with young women entering the judicial system, a practice disturbingly referred to as “judicantear” – a term used to describe intimate relationships between high-ranking officials and trainees, often characterized by a power imbalance. This normalization of inappropriate advances, she argues, created an environment where women felt pressured and vulnerable.
The incident that prompted Bejarano to speak out began with what appeared to be a professional opportunity: a lunch invitation from a magistrate who claimed a family connection. However, the conversation quickly veered into uncomfortable territory, culminating in an explicit suggestion to meet “alone.” Bejarano immediately distanced herself, but the encounter left a lasting impact. She recounts feeling “ridiculous” for minimizing the event, a common reaction among those who experience similar situations. She and a colleague subsequently developed strategies to avoid the magistrate, altering their routines and avoiding common spaces.
A Systemic Problem: Silencing and Fear of Retaliation
Beyond her personal experience, Bejarano underscores a deeply rooted structural problem: the fear of reprisal prevents many women from reporting harassment. A 2020 USAID study, as she notes, documented that these behaviors weren’t isolated incidents but were part of a broader organizational culture that normalized such conduct. This culture is particularly prevalent in environments with rigid hierarchies and concentrated power, making it difficult for those with less authority to challenge inappropriate behavior.
This pattern of silence is not unique to the judicial system. Recent weeks have seen a surge of allegations within Colombian media, bringing similar dynamics to light. One prominent case involves Hollman Morris, the current director of RTVC (Radio Televisión Colombia), the country’s public broadcasting system. More than 40 journalists, writers, and lawyers have signed a statement denouncing a “pattern of intimidation” against women who have accused Morris of sexual harassment, according to reporting by El Colombiano.
Legal Challenges and the Chilling Effect of Counter-Suits
The statement specifically cites the case of Lina Castillo, who publicly accused Morris of inappropriate behavior in 2019. Morris subsequently filed a lawsuit against Castillo for defamation and slander, a move critics argue is intended to discourage other potential accusers. Organizations and journalists have raised concerns that this legal action creates a chilling effect, making others hesitant to come forward. The use of institutional resources – the presence of RTVC staff or the display of the company’s branding – during judicial proceedings has also been flagged as a potential form of pressure.
Parallel to the RTVC case, Caracol Televisión, a major private television network, recently activated its internal protocols following allegations of sexual harassment within the company. The network stated its commitment to supporting victims and ensuring due process, a response that sparked a wave of reactions from journalists. Many shared that these issues were not new and that a culture of silence had long existed within the organization, as reported by El Colombiano.
Breaking the Silence: Voices from the Media
Journalists like Catalina Botero have spoken out, stating that many women refrained from reporting harassment for fear of jeopardizing their careers. Mónica Rodríguez emphasized the pervasive fear of not being believed as a significant deterrent to reporting. Others, such as Juanita Gómez, noted that certain behaviors had turn into normalized as “uncomfortable moments,” while Laura Palomino argued that reporting harassment should be seen as an act of protecting the profession, not betrayal.
These three arenas – the judiciary, public media, and private media – all share a common thread: the difficulty of breaking the silence. Bejarano’s column powerfully articulates this point, emphasizing that even in cases that don’t escalate to extreme violence, the emotional and professional toll falls disproportionately on women. In more vulnerable contexts, these burdens can be decisive in choosing to remain silent.
The current wave of testimonies is shifting the landscape. The conversation is expanding beyond individual cases to address the systemic structures that have allowed these behaviors to persist for years. As Bejarano concludes, it’s time to end the silence and shift the shame.
The focus now turns to the ongoing investigations at Caracol Televisión and RTVC, and the outcome of the legal proceedings involving Hollman Morris and Lina Castillo. The Colombian government has not yet issued a comprehensive statement addressing the broader issue of workplace harassment, but pressure is mounting for systemic reforms. Further updates on these cases and any potential policy changes will be reported as they become available.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual harassment, resources are available. You can find support and information from the Colombian Ministry of Equality and Women’s Rights here.
