Seeking Guidance on Writing a Sexual Harassment Case Report: Formats and Examples Needed

Hello members,

I need a format for report writing regarding findings in a sexual harassment case. It would be helpful if any case examples could be provided along with the report writing format. For instance, how should one begin report writing?

Inquiry on Sexual Harassment

Enquiry on sexual harassment should be treated at par with any other inquiry that is ordered when some misconduct takes place. Due to legal requirements, the composition of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) could be different. The following points outline the inquiry:

a) Heading of the inquiry
b) Composition of the members
c) Terms of references
d) Brief narration of the incident or events chronology
e) Detailed narration of the incident
f) Date-wise proceedings of the inquiry
g) Facts that emerge from the inquiry
h) Misconduct under the provisions of specific clauses of the Indian Standing Orders Act
i) Recommendations on organizational changes
j) Exhibits evidence produced during the inquiry (to be placed as appendices)

For further reading, refer to the following web resources:

- http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bi...hapter%204.pdf
- http://police.pondicherry.gov.in/pol...Processing.pdf

Complaints of sexual harassment are always investigated by a committee and not by a sole Inquiry Officer. Therefore, a situation may arise wherein a particular member may disagree and would like to place on record a "Note of Dissidence." This should also be allowed.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

Sample Sexual Harassment Letter of Complaint

January 28, 2017

To the Department of Human Resources,

I am writing this letter to complain about an unfortunate incident that recently happened to me at the office. I believe I have been sexually harassed by an employee in upper management. This employee’s name is Robert Smith.

Last Friday, January 20, I was asked by my boss (Smith) to stay late to help him organize his office. Lately, I had been a bit wary of him because of some inappropriate jokes I overheard him telling to other male employees, but I still stayed to assist. Others in our department had already gone home for the day. When I began working, he came up behind me, put his hands on my waist, and said, “I’m glad we’re finally alone.” I quickly turned around in shock and embarrassment. He told me that he would take me out for dinner and drinks after this. I told him I was married. He said I could take off my wedding ring. I didn’t know what else to do, so I rushed out of the office, as I heard him yelling after me, “If you say anything about this, it’s over! You’ll be done!”

I can’t even tell you how scared I have been to even write this letter. After a week of thinking about it and discussing it with my husband and friends, I was finally convinced that I needed to say something. First, I wrote Mr. Smith a letter telling him how inappropriate his comments were and how he made me feel. He has not responded, and when he makes eye contact with me or tells me to do anything, it is with anger. I’ve just been so embarrassed about it and so scared that I’ll lose my job. I need this job. However, I can’t stand the thought of working under this man. I can’t even make eye contact with him, I’m so disgusted.

I am writing this letter because Robert Smith needs the proper punishment for sexual harassment. I would like to be transferred to a different department or work under a different, more respectable boss. I would also like a formal apology and acknowledgment by Smith, and I feel that he should participate in some form of sensitivity seminar.

Thank you for taking the time to address this issue.

Best,

XYZ