Real-Time Response (During Harassment):
- Assess safety and decide whether to intervene immediately
- Document harassment incident as soon as safely possible
- Offer immediate support to harassment victim
- Report to appropriate authorities if situation requires immediate intervention
- Preserve evidence and witness information while fresh
Short-Term Response (Within 24-48 Hours):
- Provide detailed written account of witnessed harassment
- Offer formal witness statement to victim for their use
- Consider reporting to appropriate company authorities
- Document your witness activity for retaliation protection
- Consult with union representatives or legal counsel if needed
Legal Protection Timeline
Investigation Participation Timeline:
- Respond promptly to requests for witness testimony
- Participate fully in harassment investigations while protecting your rights
- Monitor for retaliation during and after investigation
- Document investigation process and any procedural problems
- Advocate for thorough, fair investigation of harassment claims
Retaliation Response Timeline:
- Report witness retaliation immediately through appropriate channels
- File EEOC complaints for witness retaliation within 180/300 day deadlines
- Document ongoing retaliation and seek interim protection
- Coordinate witness retaliation claims with original harassment complaints
- Seek legal counsel for complex witness retaliation situations