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Report as a Witness

Witness or Bystander Resources

Support colleagues or student who have experience sexual misconduct, wether you witnessed the experience or you were told about it after.

Bystanders who witness sexual harassment or misconduct have the right to report it. Northwestern employees, including student employees, are considered Responsible Employees and are required to report any sexual misconduct they witness or are told about, unless they are a Confidential Resource. Employee bystanders who report misconduct are protected from workplace retaliation.

When a witness shares their experience with investigators during an investigation, they are participating in the fact-gathering process and their testimony may be considered as evidence.

Reporting options

  • Employees are encouraged to contact OCR to learn about their reporting options. If they wish to report conduct unrelated to discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct, they may contact their HR Business Partner at HRBP@northwestern.edu.
  • Students who witness behavioral concerns or issues regarding Northwestern students can file a Community Concerns Report
  • All individuals can use the Sexual Misconduct form to electronically file a report of sexual misconduct.