Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault: Know what to look for and what to do

Veterans Health Administration sent this bulletin at 08/09/2023 06:16 PM EDT

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August 9, 2023

Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault

VA is committed to embracing a welcoming, diverse, and respectful culture that does not tolerate harassing, disruptive, or abusive behaviors of any kind.

It’s not a compliment. It is harassment.

VA will not tolerate harassment or assault of any kind. Harassment is any unwelcome conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.

At VA, we take all reports of harassment and sexual assault seriously, and we will investigate and take appropriate action.

Click the image below to find more information about VA’s anti-harassment/anti-sexual assault policy in a letter from VA’s Secretary

"Every VA Patient, their families and caregiers, as well as sexual assault survivors, staff, visitors and advocates should feel safe in all VA facilities." -VA Secretary Denis McDonough

Know what to look for and what to do if you witness harassment or sexual assault

Bystander Intervention Training for Veterans

This course helps you:

Recognize inappropriate behaviors
Intervene effectively when you see harassment or sexual assault
Report incidents at a VA facility
Locate VA resources for bystanders and those who experience harassment or sexual assault

Launch the course

Youtube Video Bystander Intervention Training

Learn more Bystander Intervention Training for Veterans

As a bystander, you can help other Veterans when you know what to do.

Countless interactions occur among VA staff, Veterans, Service Members, caregivers, family members, and visitors every day. We can all help ensure that VA facilities are positive and respectful environments when we know what to do if we observe harassment in or sexual assault.

Watch on Youtube

Reporting Harassment and Sexual Assault

If you experience or witness harassment or sexual assault at a VA medical facility, contact:

VA Police
Patient Advocate
Your Primary Care Provider

VHA Assault and Harassment Prevention Office Webpage

Keep updated & let us know how we're doing.


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