Workplace Harassment: how to defend yourself and how to prove It

When Can Harassment Be Discussed?

Lately, as highlighted more and more frequently by the mass media, incidents of harassment, especially of a sexual nature, are on the rise.

Unpleasant situations can occur in various settings, such as within the workplace, as well as on the street or in the condominium.

When can harassment be discussed? Essentially, when, in the face of inappropriate conduct or unwarranted behavior by an aggressor, the victim feels psychological discomfort and experiences repercussions in their private life.

Stress, anxiety, agitation, and depression are the most common scenarios among those who experience harassment.

Based on what is established in Article 660 of the Criminal Code, anyone who disturbs other people in a public place for impertinence or blameworthy motivations is punishable by up to 6 months of imprisonment and a fine of €516.

What to Do in Case of Harassment at Work?

In the case of harassment in the workplace, there are tools available that allow the victim to defend themselves against inappropriate behavior.

Someone who improperly bothers a victim may commit a criminal offense and, consequently, can be prosecuted ex officio.

In this unpleasant scenario, the victim can turn to the competent authorities, such as law enforcement, directly at the Public Prosecutor's Office.

After the initiation of the criminal proceedings, it will be the relevant competent authority that will determine if there are any criminal liabilities. In this scenario, it is always necessary to attach the complaint, containing useful information to expose those who commit harassment at work.

Elements such as recordings of messages and phone calls only strengthen the position of the victim. The victim has the right to become a civil party and request compensation if the harasser has been convicted criminally.

Who to Contact and How to Report?

The initial step is to contact the personnel selector or the employer. Reporting inappropriate behavior as soon as possible is crucial to prevent the situation from escalating further.

If the harassers are the employers, the best solution is to contact the Labour Inspectorate, filling out the relevant form. All this is based on what is established in Legislative Decree no. 149/2015.

Seeking help in collecting evidence from a private investigative agency with years of experience in the field is certainly a wise decision: who better than industry professionals can provide accurate documentation, containing evidence of illegality, discrimination, and colleagues' testimonials?

The person found to commit harassment can also be dismissed for just cause.

How to Prove Harassment in the Workplace

Proving that there have been advances in the workplace is not easy at all. The collection of clear evidence makes a difference, and only those who work in the field of investigations know how to regulate themselves to avoid unpleasant scenarios and becoming victims of unwanted attention.

Want to know more about collecting compelling evidence because you feel like a victim of unwanted harassment? Regulate yourself accordingly.

Contact Fidavo investigators. It will be up to them to support you in this decision.

```