Speak out on the misuse of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)

Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS) continues to engage with communities through the Speak Out: Ending Gender-Based Violence project to develop recommendations for law and policy reform to support people in reporting gender-based violence (GBV) and to regulate Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs). 

Women and people of diverse backgrounds including people with disabilities and the LGBTQQIA2S+ community experience high rates of sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and sexual assault in the workplace.   

People who report workplace gender-based violence (GBV) often face retraumatizing investigations that result in no change or a worse outcome.  

GBV survivors can be pressured into signing NDAs during the complaint process or in settlement negotiations. NDAs force survivors to stay silent about their experiences and prevent abuser accountability.   

The misuse of NDAs to silence survivors is a gendered issue – women are more likely than men to be asked to sign an NDA.  

How can you get involved? 

Have your voice heard by completing an anonymous survey on GBV and NDAs by July 31, 2025.  The purpose of the survey is to gather information about how: 

• Policies and practices at workplaces are affecting people who have experienced, or are at risk of, GBV; 

• Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA) are affecting people who have experienced, or are at risk of, GBV; 

• Policies and laws in this area could be better, especially for diverse communities. 

CLAS will use information from this survey to advocate for changes to how employers and organizations deal with GBV. 

Your organization can also reach out to CLAS to: 

• Join their network and help connect CLAS with your community. 

• Attend a free legal rights workshop or request an information session on workplace GBV and NDAs. 

For more information, email standinformed@clasbc.net or visit Stand Informed.