There are some conversations we never think we’ll have to prepare for.
Reporting harassment is one of them.
It’s not something you plan.
It’s not something you expect.
And when it happens, it can leave you feeling confused, overwhelmed… and very, very alone.
But if you’re here, if this is something you’re even thinking about, I want you to know this:
You’re not overreacting.
And you don’t have to go through it alone.
When something doesn’t feel right
Harassment doesn’t always show up in obvious ways.
Sometimes it’s subtle.
Sometimes it builds over time.
Sometimes you question yourself more than the situation.
“Did that actually happen?”
“Am I making this bigger than it is?”
“Should I just ignore it?”
And that self-doubt can be one of the hardest parts.
Because before you even think about reporting it you’re already trying to convince yourself whether it’s “bad enough.”
The reality of reporting
Whether you’re in a large company with formal HR processes, or a smaller workplace where everything is more direct — reporting harassment can feel intense.
In bigger organisations, it often becomes a structured investigation.
There are questions.
There are statements.
There are people reviewing every detail.
And while the goal is accountability… the process can feel like everything you did is being examined under a microscope.
It can feel less like being supported and more like being questioned.
What no one really tells you
Two things tend to happen during this process.
The first is isolation.
People around you may be pulled into the situation, asked questions, asked to recall events.
And suddenly, the workplace doesn’t feel the same.
Conversations shift.
Energy changes.
You might feel like you’re standing on your own.
The second is self-doubt.
You may be asked about details you don’t remember.
Moments you didn’t think mattered.
Reactions you didn’t even notice at the time.
And slowly, you start questioning yourself again.
“What if I got it wrong?”
“What if I can’t explain it properly?”
This is why support matters so much.
Step 1: Don’t do this alone
If you take one thing from this, let it be this:
Get support.
Not just any support support that feels safe.
Because in many cases, you may not be allowed to discuss the situation with people at work.
And even if you can, it might not feel comfortable.
So, look outside.
A friend.
A mentor.
A counsellor.
Someone who can help you process what’s happening without judgment.
Because this process isn’t just practical — it’s emotional.
And you deserve to be supported through both.
Step 2: Write it down
When something is happening or even if you think it might escalate, start taking notes.
Not perfect notes.
Not polished.
Just real.
What happened.
Who was there.
What was said.
How you felt.
Dates and times, if you can.
Because when the time comes to report, you won’t have to rely on memory alone.
And when you’re under stress, that matters more than you think.
After the report
Something else we don’t talk about enough is what happens after.
Even if action is taken… even if things are handled “correctly” … the workplace can feel different.
And that’s okay to acknowledge.
You might feel uncomfortable.
You might feel disconnected.
You might feel like staying doesn’t serve you anymore.
And if that’s the case — you’re allowed to leave.
Let’s be clear about this
Leaving is not failure.
It’s not giving up.
It’s not letting anyone “win.”
It’s choosing yourself.
Especially if you’re in a stage where learning matters, like an apprenticeship, being in the right environment is everything.
If that environment is no longer supporting you, you have every right to find one that does.
Your reputation is not ruined
This is a big one.
Because it can feel like everything has changed.
Like your name carries a story now.
Like people will see you differently.
But the truth is — the world is bigger than that moment.
The industry is bigger than that workplace.
There are people out there who will respect you, support you, and give you opportunities not despite what happened, but because of the strength it took to handle it.
Sometimes all it takes is one “yes.”
The bigger picture
You didn’t choose to be in this situation.
But you do get to choose what happens next.
You get to choose support.
You get to choose honesty.
You get to choose an environment that allows you to grow.
And most importantly, you get to choose yourself.
Final thought
Reporting harassment isn’t easy.
It takes courage to speak up.
It takes strength to go through the process.
And it takes self-trust to keep moving forward after it.
So, if you’re in this space right now, remember:
You don’t have to have all the answers.
You don’t have to be perfect in how you handle it.
You just must take the next step that feels right for you.
And whatever that step is
you’re allowed to take it.
If you’re a tradeswoman or tradesperson who’d like some help navigating this journey, I’d love to chat. You can book a coaching consultation with me here:
https://calendly.com/louise-azzopardi/coaching_consult
This blog is proudly supported by Midies.
If you’re looking for comfortable, practical, and stylish underwear, women’s boxer briefs might just be a perfect choice. Made for women by women. Shop Here: https://www.midies.co/?ref=LouiseAzzopardi
