I am a Witness or a Bystander

If you saw sexual harassment happen or someone told you that they experienced it, you are a witness. While it can be uncomfortable, witnesses, bystanders, and support people can help a survivor’s complaint by confirming what happened and providing additional details. 

You might need to state an investigation if you are a witness. Here is a sample template for a witness statement that you can use to make a formal complaint to your employer.

pdf Witness Statement Template instructions(151 KB)

document Witness Statement Template(7 KB)

We have created this template to help you stay organized. It may be helpful if you have many documents. 

You should keep copies of all documents and communications with your supervisors or employer. These might be useful later.

pdf Click here to download this information as a PDF. (354 KB)

pdf (354 KB) If you’re comfortable and able, do your best to be there for the person who experienced sexual harassment. When people experience sexual harassment, they often feel like their power is being taken away, so it’s important to let survivors of sexual harassment lead the way. 

Here are some suggestions on how to be supportive: 

• The biggest and most important thing you can do is listen to the survivor’s story without judgment or interruptions 
• Let the survivor share what they feel comfortable sharing, and no more than that, on their terms 
• Thank the survivor for trusting you with their story, and let them know you’re there as a support 
• Let them know that it isn’t their fault, it isn’t okay, and that they are not the one to blame 
• Offer validation and let them know that you believe what you hear 
• Ask them if there is anything you can do to support them 

Try these kinds of responses: 

• “Thank you for sharing your story with me. I’m so sorry to hear that you went through this. I am honoured that you would trust me with this, and I am grateful for the opportunity to support you.”
• “I believe you. This is not your fault.”
• “I support you and whatever decisions you make.”
• “Is there anything I can do to support you? Do you want me to share some resources with you?” 

Here are the things to watch out for:

• Do not blame the survivor or imply that they are in any way responsible for their experience.
• Do not try and take control of what happens next. Let the survivor guide what happens on their terms.
• Do not ask unnecessary questions or request more information that the survivor offers.
• Do not bring your bigger emotions (anger, frustration, etc) to the survivor and seek your own support instead - the survivor is already going through a lot emotionally.
• Do not try to change the subject unless the survivor requests it, as this might make the survivor feel that you don’t want to listen to them.
• Never ask about a survivor’s sexual history, what they were wearing at the time, if they were sober, or any questions about why they didn’t respond differently.

Finally, make sure you take care of yourself and seek support if you need it. It can be upsetting to witness sexual harassment and the negative impacts this kind of harm has. It takes a lot of courage to support a survivor of sexual harassment. Be gentle with yourself. 

The Legal Information Society has developed a series of videos that show the experience of bystanders to sexual harassment and what they can do to help prevent and address sexual harassment as it happens. Check them out!