Overview

This lesson outlines the immediate actions taken after a harassment incident is reported. It emphasizes protecting confidentiality, ensuring survivor safety, and initiating rapid support while preserving the integrity of evidence and compliance with non-retaliation goals.

Core principles include confidentiality, voluntary disclosure, safety-first planning, and timely engagement with appropriate stakeholders. The aim is to reduce risk, minimize re-traumatization, and establish a clear path for follow-up support and investigation.

Core Steps

• Activate the incident response protocol with access restricted to essential personnel only.
• Confirm survivor safety and assess immediate risk in the workplace.
• Provide information about available supports, including counseling and time off.
• Collect essential facts from the survivor and relevant witnesses without pressuring disclosure.
• Document initial details, preserve evidence, and establish a timeline for next steps.

Timelines and Roles

1. Within 2 hours: notify designated HR contact and EAP liaison with survivor consent.
2. Within 24-48 hours: initial intake meeting and safety planning completed.
3. Within 5-7 business days: initial investigation plan drafted and shared with relevant parties.