As part of follow-up procedures after an incident of violence, the employer should make sure victims know that _____.

• A. All investigations will be closed within 24 hours
• B. Victims will be transferred to a new department
• C. The offender will be provided with counseling
• D. No reprisals will be taken against any employee who is assaulted or files charges

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is protecting victims from retaliation to encourage reporting after violence. When victims know they won’t face reprisals for reporting or cooperating with investigators, they’re more likely to come forward, seek help, and participate in the process, which helps keep the workplace safer and supports accountability. This anti-retaliation assurance should be a clear, foundational part of follow-up procedures.

Among the options, guaranteeing no reprisals against anyone who is assaulted or files charges best supports that goal. The other ideas don’t directly protect victims or may even undermine trust—quickly closing an investigation is arbitrary and may compromise safety and fairness; transferring a victim to another department could feel punitive or evasive; addressing the offender with counseling does not address the victim’s safety or the need for accountability.