What steps should be taken if harassment is observed?

• A. Ignore and pretend nothing happened.
• B. Report the harassment to ensure it is addressed and does not escalate.
• C. Publicly shame the harasser on social media.
• D. Transfer the employee to another department without addressing it.

Answer: (B)

When harassment is observed, the responsible action is to report it through the proper channels so it can be investigated, addressed, and prevented from escalating. Reporting through the established process protects the victim, supports due process, and creates an accountability trail that helps reduce future incidents. It also helps the organization fulfill its policy and legal obligations and maintains a safer, more professional environment.

As you report, document what you saw as clearly as possible—dates, times, locations, people involved, exact language or actions, and any witnesses. Follow the designated reporting path, such as your supervisor, human resources, an ethics hotline, or internal affairs, while keeping information confidential to protect everyone involved. If you can do so safely, offer support to the person affected and ensure their safety, but avoid confronting or retaliating against the harasser yourself.

Publicly shaming someone on social media mistakes the opportunity to address the behavior through proper channels, can harm innocent bystanders, and may expose you or the organization to legal or reputational risk. Simply transferring someone to another department without addressing the behavior also leaves the problem unresolved and allows it to continue elsewhere.