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What happens afterwards?
The impact of sexual harassment often lasts longer than the harassment itself. It can impact people for weeks, months and even years later. If you are struggling to recover from what happened to you, this is natural. It is important to be gentle with yourself and try not beat yourself up for how this is affecting you. When you feel ready, reach out and seek support to help you process your experience. Sources of assistance are detailed at the end of this document.
Points to note about what happens when you report sexual harassment
- When you report sexual harassment to an employer or engager they should take it seriously and investigate the matter fully. You will be involved in this investigation as will the person who is accused of the sexual harassment. They will need to protect both of you.
- The employer should not report the matter to the police unless you consent to this although in extreme circumstances when they feel that you or others are at an ongoing risk then they may have to do this.
- If your complaint through the employer’s procedures is upheld but they do not dismiss the other person then they should take steps to ensure that you do not come into contact with each other. If they do dismiss the person and you’re in a public role then they should put measures in place to stop the other person coming into contact with you.
- You should not be victimised or discriminated against for bringing forward a complaint whether this is upheld or not. You should not therefore be treated less favourably.