Q. "How do we still conduct a thorough harassment investigation when the accuser won't sign their name to a written statement?"

Answer:

Your priority must be to ensure safety and fairness for everyone involved. Here are three ways to do that:

• Investigate Beyond the Statement.
  Even without a written statement, you must investigate. Seek corroborating evidence: Have others witnessed similar behavior? Does the accused have a history?

• Address Anonymity Limits.
  Explain that while you'll protect anonymity as much as possible, for serious allegations leading to disciplinary action, direct participation might eventually be necessary for a fair process.

• Ensure Due Process for Accused.
  Before any action, provide the accused staff member a clear opportunity to respond to the allegations. This is non-negotiable for fairness. Conduct diligent fact-finding to assess credibility and rule out misunderstandings.

Stop harassment before it even starts. Let's talk about Harassment Prevention Training.