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Insults, humiliation and hateLion level

A colleague sends you insulting messages by email: what should you do?

The situation

A work colleague is harassing you online by regularly sending insulting messages to your work email address. What should you do?

The right reflex

Take screenshots of the messages, report the incident to your employer and ask them to step in

Explanation and advice

Don’t reply to the messages. Some companies have specific protocols for handling this kind of situation. Follow your company’s internal procedures and policies on harassment and workplace behaviour.

If you face online harassment, remember these 5 steps

  1. Take screenshots: they are your evidence.
  2. Report the content or the account to the platform.
  3. Talk to someone you trust so you don't face it alone.
  4. Contact the relevant authorities with your evidence.
  5. File a complaint if needed, with support.
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