Response: What to do when sexual harm has happened
When sexual harassment occurs, the appropriate response will depend on your role and responsibilities within the workplace.
If you are unsure how to proceed, SoundCheck Aotearoa’s Sexual Harm Prevention and Response Advisor (SHAPRA) service provides a confidential channel for guidance and support. Email shapra@soundcheckaotearoa.co.nz to book a consultation.
If you are responding to a disclosure on behalf of a business, it is important to seek appropriate guidance to ensure the situation is handled correctly.
The resources below include a flowchart outlining general response steps but each situation will be different. As sexual harassment is a complex and sensitive issue, we recommend you seek your own legal advice.
Resources to help your response
The following resources can assist when sexual harm has occurred:
Get the right support around you
Support is available for people who have been harmed, support people and colleagues, PCBUs (managers and those responsible for workplace safety), and people who have done harm. See directory below.
How to respond to a disclosure of sexual harm
What to do
Responding to Sexual Harassment flowchart
Sexual Harassment Reporting Form* (for internal workplace use)
Guide to making a complaint through the Human Rights Commission
WorkSafe guidance for businesses
Note: The reporting form is for internal workplace use only. SoundCheck Aotearoa does not receive or investigate reports of sexual harm. For reporting to an external authority, please refer to External Resolution Options.
Definitions
Sexual assault and consent (NZ Police)
Continuum of workplace behaviour (bullying and harassment)
Continuum of workplace behaviour (sexual harassment)
Preventing further harm in the workplace
See our Prevention Guide for additional resources available to support ongoing prevention and risk reduction.
Getting the right support
Getting the right support at the right time can make a significant difference. Support services can help you understand what has occurred, process your response, and consider your options and next steps in a safe and confidential space.
If sexual harm has just occurred, or if someone is in immediate danger, please call 111.
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A range of free support services are available across Aotearoa for people who have experienced sexual harm.
Support options
Our SoundCheck Aotearoa Sexual Harm Prevention and Response Advisor (SHAPRA Service) provides a free and confidential service for people affected by sexual harm in the music community.
SHAPRA Service - email shapra@soundcheckaotearoa.co.nz or text 021 222 9169 to book a consult.
National services are also available 24/7:
Safe to Talk – 0800 044 334 or text 4334
A directory of regional specialist providers (tauiwi) and kaupapa Māori specialist providers can be found on the TOAH-NNEST website.
These services can provide support and help connect you with local providers. You can remain anonymous if you choose.
A good support service should:
Have specialist experience in supporting people affected by sexual harm
Believe and validate your experience
Maintain confidentiality (except where there is a risk of harm, which should be discussed with you)
Support you to make your own decisions
Respond in ways that reflect your individual needs
Free counselling or support for sexual harm may be eligible through ACC Sensitive Claims counselling which you can access through your GP, Safe to Talk, or the ACC Find Support website.
If sexual harm has just happened
Prioritise your safety physically, emotionally, and spiritually. If possible, move to a safe place away from the person involved.
Strong reactions such as fear, confusion, or numbness are common. Focus on what you need in the moment.
You can contact HELP (0800 623 1700), a 24/7 support line, for support and to discuss your options.
If the incident may be a criminal offence, it may be possible to collect evidence within seven days. HELP can advise on a “just in case” medical examination, where evidence is collected and stored while you decide what to do.
Most support services can also provide an advocate if you choose to report to Police.
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Supporting someone who has been harmed
Supporting someone who has experienced sexual harm is an important role and can aid significantly in their healing. The most effective support involves:
Listening well and taking what they say seriously
Respecting their choices about what to do next
Not pressuring them to talk about it or take action beyond what they are comfortable with
Recognising that having control over what happens next, as well as who and when they tell things is an important aspect of control for many people who have experienced harm.
Resources to support you in this could include:
SoundCheck Aotearoa Receiving disclosures pamphlet
HELP Guidance on supporting someone affected by sexual harm
Receiving disclosures and Professional Respect Training workshops
Supporting someone who has been accused or has caused harm
If you are supporting someone who has been accused of harm or has caused harm, you can assist them to:
Access appropriate support
Reflect on their behaviour
Develop healthier and more respectful relationships
Support is also available to you
Our SHAPRA service is open to anyone affected by sexual harm, including those supporting others. You can use this service to explore options for the person you are supporting and/or discuss your own response to the situation.
Call or text: 021 222 9169
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Support for PCBUs and those responding
People responsible for managing the risks of sexual harassment, or responding to reports, can access support for themselves and others involved.
For support following an incident, the following resources may assist:
See list of sexual harm support providers in our Get Help directory (most services can help identify next steps and appropriate support for all parties)
Consult with a lawyer or human resources (HR) consultant to get specific advice for the situation at hand
You can also contact our Sexual Harm Prevention and Response Advisor Service (SHAPRA) to discuss your situation and next steps:
Call or text: 021 222 9169
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Support for people who have caused harm or been accused
Sexual harassment and inappropriate sexual behaviour can harm individuals and damage workplace relationships.
People who have done harm, or who have been accused, can access support to:
Reflect on the behaviours that led to the situation
Understand the impact of those behaviours
Consider next steps
Develop more appropriate and respectful ways of relating
Support is available through our Sexual Harm Prevention and Response Advisor (SHAPRA) service.
Call or text: 021 222 9169
For those considering an apology or facilitated discussion with the person harmed, restorative practitioners are available. See the External Resolution Options page for further information.