How to report an occurrence of workplace harassment and violence

Step 1 – Review the definition of harassment and violence

As the principal party or a witness of an occurrence of harassment and violence, you must review the definition of harassment and violence:

The Canada Labour Code and DAOD 5014-0 defines harassment and violence as: "any action, conduct or comment, including of a sexual nature, that can reasonably be expected to cause offence, humiliation or other physical or psychological injury or illness to an employee/member, including any prescribed action, conduct or comment." This also includes any negative behaviours based on the prohibited grounds of discrimination identified in the Canadian Human Rights Act.

For examples on harassment and violence in the workplace, consult the Harassment and violence in the workplace: Negative Behaviour Matrix.

For more information on the appropriate mechanisms to use to file a complaint or report an incident, please contact your local Conflict and Complaint Management Services office or visit submitting a formal complaint or report an incident.

Step 2 – Report an occurrence

If you have experienced or witnessed harassment or violence, and you believe the occurrence meets the above definition, you can report it to your Chain of Command/manager by:

• sending them a completed Notice of Occurrence (NoO). You can choose to complete the form anonymously.
  • Note: the form must be downloaded and opened in Adobe Acrobat.
• verbally advising them. They will fill in the form on your behalf.

If your Chain of Command or manager was directly involved in the incident, report the incident to the Designated Recipient Unit by:

• submitting a completed Notice of Occurrence (NoO) form to the secure inbox at DesignatedRecipientHVP-DestinataireDesignedelaPHV@forces.gc.ca
• calling the secure voicemail box at 1-833-451-1604

Ensure your NoO contains the following information:

• the name of the principal party and the responding party, if known;
• the date of the occurrence; and
• a detailed description of each occurrence.

Note: If an anonymous NoO does not identify the name of the principal party, the resolution process is considered closed. A redacted version of the NoO will be shared with the applicable Workplace Health and Safety Committee/Health and Safety Representatives, and Canadian Armed Forces Safety Committees who will review and, if necessary, update the WHVP assessment to determine if any additional preventive measures are required.

For Chain of Commands/Managers

If the Chain of Command/manager is notified of a NoO, they must inform the Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Center of Expertise (WHVP CoE) via the positional email WHVPCoE-PHVCE@forces.gc.ca within seven calendar days, and submit monthly status update reports until file resolution.

Note: All NoOs must be kept in a safe and secure location (Protected B).