Resolving Sexual Harassment Claims

Your investigation is over. You have gathered all information, analyzed the facts, reviewed all evidence, and assessed credibility. It is time for you to reach a conclusion and resolve the issue.

Remember that resolving a complaint is different than the actions you should have taken as soon as the complaint was filed. These interim actions (such as separating the complainant from the alleged harasser or placing the alleged harasser on leave) were important for making sure the workplace is a safe environment for the complainant. The actions detailed in this section are specific to the investigation and to ensuring that the actions related to the investigation do not occur again.

Use common sense and reasoning when coming to conclusions. Base your conclusions on the facts of the investigation, and consider the following:

• If similar events happened in the past, and if these events were reported
• Why a complainant may have not reported an incident in the past
• If any interviewee said something that you found to be false
• What would motivate this person to not speak the truth
• If there is anything that can help you when there are cases of conflicting stories or facts

To learn more about Sexual Harassment Prevention Training For Supervisors visit our Cal/OSHA Sexual Harassment Prevention Training For Supervisors Online Training web page.