Investigating Sexual Harassment Charges - Gather Additional Information Check Personnel Records Have there been other complaints about the same alleged harasser? Has there been a high turnover of the alleged harasser's female/male subordinates? If so, this could identify other witnesses, targets. Make Credibility Determinations Often there are no witnesses to the actual conduct, so making a credibility determination is often the crux of the case. Factors to consider in determining the credibility of either party (all are relevant): Inherent plausibility Is the testimony believable on its face? Demeanor Did the person seem to be telling the or lying? Motive to Falsify: Did the person have a reason to lie? Corroboration Is there witness testimony or physical documentation that corroborates the person's testimony? Past Record Did the alleged harasser have a history of similar behavior in the past?
Investigating Sexual Harassment Charges - Gather Additional Information Check Personnel Records Have there been other complaints about the same alleged harasser? Has there been a high turnover of the alleged harasser's female/male subordinates? If so, this could identify other witnesses, targets. Make Credibility Determinations Often there are no witnesses to the actual conduct, so making a credibility determination is often the crux of the case. Factors to consider in determining the credibility of either party (all are relevant): Inherent plausibility Is the testimony believable on its face? Demeanor Did the person seem to be telling the or lying? Motive to Falsify: Did the person have a reason to lie? Corroboration Is there witness testimony or physical documentation that corroborates the person's testimony? Past Record Did the alleged harasser have a history of similar behavior in the past?
Questions%20for%20Investigating%20Sexual%20Harassment%20Charges.docx