By Matt Harrington, BCBA · Behaviorist Book Club · Clinical decision guide
One of the most consequential decisions a behavior analyst makes is not just what intervention to use, but how to approach the clinical question in the first place. For report that asshole: how to ethically report sexual harassment to the bacb, the difference between an evidence-based, individualized approach and a traditional, protocol-driven one can significantly impact outcomes.
This guide lays out the key factors side by side to support your clinical decision-making.
| Factor | Evidence-Based Approach | Traditional Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose and Scope | Internal Organizational Reporting: Addresses the workplace environment and employment relationship. Aims to stop the harassment, protect the target, and correct organizational conditions that allowed the behavior. | BACB Ethics Complaint: Addresses professional certification and ethical standing. Aims to hold the individual accountable to professional ethical standards and protect the public through potential certification sanctions. |
| Investigation Process | Internal Organizational Reporting: Conducted by HR or designated organizational investigators. Governed by organizational policy and employment law. Typically faster resolution timeline. | BACB Ethics Complaint: Conducted by the BACB's ethics department. Governed by BACB procedures and professional standards. May involve a lengthy investigation and adjudication process. |
| Potential Outcomes | Internal Organizational Reporting: Outcomes may include disciplinary action against the harasser, policy changes, mandatory training, separation of reporter and respondent, or termination of the harasser. | BACB Ethics Complaint: Outcomes may include reprimand, required ethics training, probation, suspension, or revocation of BACB certification. Does not directly affect employment. |
| Protection for Reporter | Internal Organizational Reporting: Protected by employment law anti-retaliation provisions. However, organizational willingness to enforce protections varies significantly. | BACB Ethics Complaint: Protected by BACB prohibition against retaliation for good-faith reporting. However, enforcement of this protection depends on the BACB's ability to investigate and address retaliatory conduct. |
| Impact on Perpetrator's Career | Internal Organizational Reporting: May affect employment at the current organization but does not prevent the individual from obtaining employment elsewhere or maintaining their BACB certification. | BACB Ethics Complaint: May affect the individual's professional certification, which has career-wide implications. Sanctions are publicly reported and affect the individual's professional standing across all settings. |
| Requirements for Evidence | Internal Organizational Reporting: Typically uses a preponderance of evidence standard. May accept a broader range of evidence including informal witness accounts and organizational records. | BACB Ethics Complaint: Requires specific documentation of the alleged violation with reference to Ethics Code provisions. More formal evidentiary expectations. |
The ABA Clubhouse has 60+ on-demand CEUs including ethics, supervision, and clinical topics like this one. Plus a new live CEU every Wednesday.
Use this framework when approaching report that asshole: how to ethically report sexual harassment to the bacb in your practice:
Does the data support a need for intervention? Is there a meaningful impact on the individual's quality of life, safety, or access to reinforcement?
YES → Proceed to assessment NO → Document reasoning, monitor
A functional assessment should guide intervention selection. Avoid defaulting to standard protocols without individual analysis. Consider environmental variables, setting events, and private events.
YES → Select evidence-based approach matched to function NO → Complete assessment first
Goals should be co-developed. Assent and informed consent are ethical requirements. The individual's preferences and values matter in selecting both goals and methods.
YES → Proceed with collaborative plan NO → Engage in shared decision-making
This course covers the clinical and ethical dimensions in detail with structured learning objectives and CEU credit.
Report that Asshole: How to Ethically Report Sexual Harassment to the BACB — Hana Jurgens · 1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $15
Take This Course →1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $15 · BehaviorLive
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All behavior-analytic intervention is individualized. The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute clinical advice. Treatment decisions should be informed by the best available published research, individualized assessment, and obtained with the informed consent of the client or their legal guardian. Behavior analysts are responsible for practicing within the boundaries of their competence and adhering to the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.