New Jersey Checklist of Questions to Ask Sexual Harassment Witnesses - Workplace

• Category: Employment - Sexual Harassment
• State: Multi-State
• Control #: US-503EM
• Format: Word

Description

This Employment & Human Resources form covers the needs of employers of all sizes.

New Jersey Checklist of Questions to Ask Sexual Harassment Witnesses — Workplace: 1. Introduction: Begin the questioning process by introducing yourself, explaining your role as an investigator in a sexual harassment case, and ensuring the witness understands the purpose of the interview. 2. Witness Information: Gather relevant details about the witness, including their full name, job title, contact information, and relationship to the incident or parties involved. 3. Incident Details: Ask the witness to provide a detailed account of the incident, including the date, time, location, and any specifics about the behavior or actions that were witnessed. 4. Parties Involved: Inquire about the individuals involved in the incident, including the alleged harasser and the victim. Ask for their names, job titles, and any other identifying information to help establish context. 5. Description of Harassment: Delve further into the witness's understanding of what constitutes sexual harassment, ensuring they are aware of the different types such as quid pro quo, hostile work environment, or retaliation. Clarify if the conduct witnessed aligns with any of these categories. 6. Frequency and Duration: Determine how often the witness observed the alleged harassment and how long it persisted. This information can help gauge the severity of the situation and assess the potential impact on the victim's work environment. 7. Specific Instances: Ask the witness to describe any specific incidents they witnessed that were particularly noteworthy or stood out to them. This can include conversations, physical acts, or any other behavior that contributed to a hostile work environment. 8. Impact on the Victim: Inquire about the emotional, psychological, or physical impact observed on the victim, such as changes in behavior, productivity, or interactions with colleagues. This information can help establish the severity and consequences of the harassment. 9. Documentation: Ask if the witness has any relevant documentation, such as emails, texts, or records of incidents, that can support their account of the harassment. Encourage the witness to provide any evidence or information they may have that can corroborate the victim's claims. 10. Retaliation: Investigate whether the witness or others have observed any form of retaliation against the victim following the incidents of harassment. Retaliation can be critical evidence in establishing a pattern of behavior and assessing the credibility of the victim's accusations. Different Types of New Jersey Checklist of Questions to Ask Sexual Harassment Witnesses — Workplace: 1Witnesses— - Harassment Victim: This checklist is specifically designed for witnesses who are also victims of sexual harassment. The questions will focus on their personal experiences and their observations relating to the incident. 2. Witness — Bystander: This checklist is for witnesses who observed the harassment but were not directly targeted. The questions will focus on their account of what they saw and heard, as well as any impact it had on them or their perception of the workplace environment. 3. Witness — Supervisor or Manager: This checklist is tailored for witnesses who hold supervisory roles and have either received a complaint of sexual harassment or have been tasked with exploring allegations. The questions will focus on their actions, response, and observations after learning about the harassment incidents.