Sexual harassment at work - being silenced

[Heebeejeebie]

Not me but a friend.

I’m going to be vague but there were a few incidences of sexual harassment/assault. She reported and the man was suspended and then resigned.

She was initially told there would be an external investigation but they then changed their mind and did an internal investigation. She was told she would be informed of the outcome and would see the report.

They’ve now told her she isn’t entitled to see the report or the outcome and that it has been “dealt with in line with company policy”

They also sent her a copy of the confidentiality and disciplinary policy! This is bullshit isn’t it?!!

Small bump

Did they say verbally that there'd be an external investigation or does she have it in writing? Not sure if that makes a difference but sometimes it does.

It is shit though, totally unsupportive and I hope she's able to find a workplace that supports women better in the future - and by that I mean actually does, not just with lip service.

Would this be better if in legal or employment? Quite specialist?

I'm not sure she would be able to see the report, she wouldn't be entitled to the full details only anything factual about her. Or information provided by her which she would already know because she provided it.
Information would have to be treated confidentially to protect all interested parties.

What does her grievance procedure say? Ditto re sexual harassment/respectful workplace-type policy if harassment investigations are covered there.

If she has written communication confirming that she was entitled to see the report/know the outcome or if there's anything in the policies saying this, then I would go to HR and ask for clarification on why the policy hasn't been followed on this occasion.

Given that the guy is gone now anyway, I would encourage her to consider how much of a fuss it's worth making from the perspective of her own career. I know it's not ideal but given it's been dealt with and he's no longer there, sometimes it's best just to let these things go for self-preservation.