Nearly half of women and three in 10 men in Canada report experiencing some form of harassment or sexual assault in the workplace, according to data from Statistics Canada.
If youโre experiencing harassment, sexual assault or any other type of workplace misconduct, here are five tips for keeping detailed records of incidents to support your case.
๐ญ. ๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ด: Write down what happened as soon as possible after the incident. Include dates, times, locations and names of people involved.
๐ฎ. ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ผ๐ฏ๐ท๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ: Describe the incident in detail, focusing on facts rather than opinions. Avoid emotional language and stick to what you experienced and observed.
๐ฏ. ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ฒ ๐ฝ๐ต๐๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ: Save all relevant emails, texts and messages. Organize them by date to create a clear timeline of events.
๐ฐ. ๐๐ผ๐น๐น๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ป๐ฒ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐: If colleagues witnessed the incident, ask them to write a statement. Include their contact information and any relevant details they provide
๐ฑ. ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ถ๐ป๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ป๐: Report the incident to HR or a trusted supervisor as soon as possible. Make a note of when and how you reported it.
Thorough records can significantly strengthen your case and provide essential evidence if you decide to take legal action.
Remember, you are not alone in this. We understand how overwhelming and stressful these situations can be. If you need guidance on what steps to take next, an experienced employment lawyer can explain your options.
