I don't want to do anything yet, but I do want to document it

Documenting transgressive behavior

When you experience transgressive behavior, either yourself or as a bystander, it's valuable to document it as soon as possible. Not because you necessarily want to do something with the information, but because it keeps your options open.

Why documenting helps

People who experience unwanted behavior often struggle afterwards to reproduce specific details. Memory is selective and is affected by stress. Someone who documents what happened right after an incident has more reliable information- for themselves, and possibly for a confidential advisor, manager, or external body.

What to document

• Date, time, and location of the incident
• What exactly was said or done: as literally as possible, no interpretations
• Who was present: witnesses, even if they didn't say anything
• Your reaction at the time: what you did or said, or why you didn't do anything
• The effect on you: how you felt, whether it affected your work or wellbeing
• Any communication: save emails, app messages, or other written statements
• Evidence: voice recordings, photos, or other forms of evidence can support your documentation

How to document it

Write it down in a personal document or notebook that only you can access. Send yourself an email with a date and timestamp. Take screenshots of relevant messages and save them outside your work environment. It doesn't have to be formal- a brief, factual note is already valuable.

Important to know

Documenting is not an accusation and doesn't obligate you to anything. It gives you control: you decide later what to do with it. This is especially relevant for freelancers, since formal reporting routes within organizations are often less readily accessible to them. Your own file is often the only thing you have if you later decide to take action after all.