What’s whistleblowing?
Whistleblowing is disclosing illegal or unethical behavior by individuals working in organizations. The term can also be used to refer to the act of making such a disclosure. Whistleblowers may be employees, officers, directors, or contractors of organizations. The protections and motivations for whistleblowers vary across countries and jurisdictions.
Why whistleblowers need to protect their identity
Whistleblowers need to protect their identity for their safety. If their identity is revealed, they may face retaliation from their exposed people. They may also be harassed or even attacked.
The risks of being a whistleblower
The risks of being a whistleblower include:ย
- Retaliation
- Harassment
- Violence.ย
Whistleblowers may also be blacklisted from their industry, making it difficult to find work.
The benefits of being a whistleblower
The benefits of being a whistleblower include the satisfaction of exposing corruption and wrongdoing. Whistleblowers may also receive financial rewards.
How to protect your identity as a whistleblower
There are several ways to protect your identity as a whistleblower. These include using a pseudonym, going public anonymously, and using a secure communication system.
Other ways to protect yourself include:
- Contact an attorney to get advice on whistleblowing and how to protect yourself.
- Do not discuss your plans with anyone outside of your close confidants.
- Make sure you have evidence to back up your allegations.
- Keep copies of any documents or emails that support your allegations.
- Be aware of potential retaliation from your employer, and take steps to protect yourself from possible retribution.
Contact Us
If you are a whistleblower, it is important to take steps to protect your identity. This article provided some tips on how to do this. We are located in the Newport News, VA area. If you need help protecting your identity or want to discuss a whistleblowing case, contact us at 757-223-4580. We are a whistleblowing attorney that assists in these cases.