What should a victim of harassment do first?

• A. Report the behavior to a supervisor or management according to agency policies.
• B. Ignore the behavior.
• C. Confront the harasser directly in public.
• D. File a police report.

Answer: (A)

The first step is to report the behavior to a supervisor or management according to agency policies. Starting with the formal reporting process sets the incident in motion through the proper channels, ensures there is an official record, and triggers an appropriate investigation. It provides a safe, structured route to address the harassment, protects the victim through documented procedures, and helps prevent retaliation by following established rules and timelines. Through this route, trained officials can assess the situation, gather evidence, and determine the correct corrective actions or supports, such as counseling or accommodations, while maintaining confidentiality as allowed by policy.

Ignoring the behavior, confronting the harasser publicly, or rushing to involve police without following internal procedures can create more risk and chaos and may bypass the safeguards designed to handle such situations fairly and consistently. When the incident is reported through the proper channels first, all actions align with agency expectations and applicable laws, and the victim is more likely to receive appropriate support and protection.