If you have experienced or have been affected by workplace sexual harassment, we can provide you legal support. The Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia can provide up to 4 free hours of legal advice with a lawyer for survivors of sexual harassment in the workplace. For more information, email [email protected] or visit legalinfo.org/safeatwork.
Employers can prevent workplace sexual harassment and promote great workplaces using the free resources below, developed by experts in the field.
If you're an employer, check out our Employer Best Practices Toolkit to learn how to introduce these resources to your workplace.
Watch our Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Prevention webinar with the Halifax Chamber of Commerce to learn more about our employer tools and how to introduce them to your workplace.
pdf Free Employer Resources for Workplace Sexual Harassment(419 KB)
Bystander Training
The Bystander Training has been developed to help employers create great workplaces that prevent sexual harassment. The bystander training takes an occupational health and safety approach to build buy-in that respectful workplaces are in everyone’s interest. Tips are shared for how to be a supportive bystander.
The free course has eight modules, takes 30 minutes to complete and provides participants with a certificate of completion.
Employers such as Halifax Transit and the Nova Scotia Public Works Department have provided the following feedback on the Bystander Training:
- Concise and to the point
- It provides staff with a quick training opportunity
- The messages conveyed can be built upon by the employer for further training
- Has a nice educational piece
- The follow-up questionnaire triggers staff to contemplate what they have just observed, but is not onerous
- The training gives employers an easy way to tackle this difficult subject directly
- Learning management system was highly effective in delivering the course content
Safe Public Spaces: Bystander Videos
Help keep public spaces safe from sexual harassment by being a helpful bystander.
Employer Best Practices Toolkit
This toolkit provides practical resources to prevent and address workplace sexual harassment.
Check out the Employer Best Practices Toolkit Training for more information on implementing the toolkit in your workplace.
Download the full Toolkit book here.
pdf Employer Best Practices Toolkit to Prevent Workplace Sexual Harassment:(657 KB) Contents and How to use the Toolkit
Section 1 - Sample WSH Policy & Email Templates
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Sample Workplace Sexual Harassment Policy(31 KB)
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Email Template for Managers(93 KB)
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Email Templates for Employees(62 KB)
Section 2 - Sample Employer Checklists
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Sexual Harassment Prevention Checklist(90 KB)
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Risk Assessment Template(65 KB)
Section 3 - Sample Complaint Form and Investigation Process
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Sample Sexual Harassment Complaint Form(99 KB)
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Interview Form and Checklist for Responding to a Sexual Harassment Complaint(92 KB)
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Confidentiality Agreement: Sexual Harassment Investigation(59 KB)
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Template for Conducting an Investigation(66 KB)
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Sample Investigation Report(95 KB)
Section 4 - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
document Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)(68 KB)
Section 5 - Communications Best Practices
document Communications Best Practices(67 KB)
Last reviewed: August 2021
Thank you to Justice Canada for funding LISNS Workplace Sexual Harassment Project, including creation of this toolkit for employers.
Safe At Work App
The Safe At Work App provides employees with safe access to healing help if they have experienced or witnessed workplace sexual harassment. Through the Safe at Work website, employees have access to compassionate listening support, art therapy, a safe place to share their story, legal support and bystander training.
People often find it helpful to talk to someone else who understands what they have been through. The services are free, anonymous and confidential.
Safe at Work Pathway
Have you experienced sexual harassment at work and are unsure of your options? The Safe at Work Pathway is a step-by-step guide that clearly explains your legal choices, helping you confidently make informed decisions. Whether you’re a survivor, support person, witness, employer, or accused, you’ll find reliable information tailored to your situation. Click here for more information.