Workplace harassment is very stressful, for both the person undergoing the harassment and for bystanders, the colleagues who witness it. As a casual observer, it is very difficult to know what to do when you witness something that shouldn’t be happening. Do you intervene and incur the wrath of the harasser (and perhaps become the new victim for harassment) or do you pretend that you don’t see it? Or do you laugh it off as something that happens everywhere?

Here are some ways you can respond in a positive and helpful manner:

• Be supportive. Let the person experiencing harassment know that you are there for them to talk to and for support. Help them acknowledge that this is not something they have to put up with.
• Discuss escalation with the victim.  Sexual harassment can be reported to the POSH IC Committee that is set up. The names and numbers of the IC Members should be easily available. Or they can take it up to a Manager or HR who will help them get in touch with the committee. Non sexual harassment can be reported to the HR. Offer to accompany the person to the IC Committee/HR should they so desire.
• Be a witness. Offer to be witness to the HR or POSH committee for escalation should they wish so, if you did actually witness the harassment happening. This will greatly help the investigative procedure. 
• Report the harassment. If the victim is unwilling to report it, you can still report it to the HR to make sure that it doesn’t happen again. Although in sexual harassment cases a written complaint from the victim is required for any punitive action, preventive measures can be taken by the HR even otherwise. 
• Maintain confidentiality. What happened is that person’s business and it is not up to you to spread it around, unless you are reporting it to the HR/IC. Avoid discussing it with others and creating rumours/gossip. 
• Check in on the victim. Continue to check in on the victim without judgements about the actions or decision. Provide support and resources and help create a safe space to them to just be. Encourage them to speak with EAP counsellors, if you company provides the service. 
• Be kind to yourself. Witnessing harassment and supporting the victim can be tiring emotionally. Make sure that you are taking care of yourself in the process.