Dear John],

Just like that *snaps*, we made it to day 5: document! 

It can be really helpful to record an incident as it happens to someone, but there are a number of things to keep in mind to safely and responsibly document harassment. Check out this tip sheet from WITNESS for more details.

1. First, assess the situation. Is anyone helping the person being harassed? If not, use one of the other four D’s.
2. If someone else is already helping out, assess your own safety. If you are safe, go ahead and start recording.
3. ALWAYS ask the person who has been harassed what they want to do with the footage. Being harassed or violated is already a disempowering experience. Using an image or footage of a person being victimized without that person’s consent can make the person feel even more powerless. Also, posting footage without a victim’s consent makes their experience public – something that can lead to a whole host of legal issues, in which they may be forced to engage with the legal system in a way that they are not comfortable with. Publicizing another person’s traumatic experience without their consent is no way to be an effective and helpful bystander.

You're amazing. No matter what, we've got your back.

love,
Hollaback!

p.s. As Hollaback! continues to develop new resources; create new, and improve existing trainings; map stories of harassment across the world; and provide support to the next generation of global leaders, our ability to make these accessible to everyone is only possible with your generous support. 

Donate today and ignite our collective power to end all forms of harassment!