WhistleWatch.org Responds to Alarming Trends Affecting Whistleblowers

Online, August 18, 2011 (Newswire.com) - The new SEC whistleblower program went into effect on August 12, 2011. Whistleblowers may be eligible for a financial award if their tip leads to an enforcement action and fine of over $1 million. Sarbanes Oxley, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the new Dodd-Frank (Consumer Financial Protection Act) also include critical whistleblower provisions. OSHA, responsible for enforcing over 20 whistleblower laws, will be making significant changes to their programs following a recent GAO report noting agency failure to proactively improve performance and oversight of whistleblower protections.

The global workforce is keenly aware that should they attempt to raise reasonable concerns about wrongdoing, they face attacks including employment termination. Whistleblower retaliation exposes employees and their families to considerable long term financial risk. Government and corporate employees are often unwilling to put their jobs and careers on the line to expose violations of law and/or breaches of ethical conduct codes. They may not trust traditional anonymous incident reporting 'hotlines' requiring a phone call, text or e-mail that identifies them, fearing their reports will not be kept confidential. Employees may also be unsure how the whistleblower process works or what legal rights and protections apply. Meanwhile the reported violations of law go uncorrected causing widespread harm to the public. The alarming trend of mistreatment of whistleblowers has devastating global consequences.

To help combat fears of whistleblowers and provide ongoing assistance, The Brown Center for Public Policy and Awareity have come together to create a safe haven and comprehensive resource. WhistleWatch.org provides a secure online system for potential and active whistleblowers seeking help with whistleblower issues including legal questions, protection from retaliation, advice and peer support from other whistleblowers and the ability to anonymously submit incident reports.

WhistleWatch.org provides resources and support for whistleblowers who:

 Are sincere about being listed as a complainant against the government, tax underpayment and/or SEC violations
 Are irritated, upset and/or angry with their whistleblower experience
 Have been retaliated against because they reported misconduct, fraud or other issues
 Need a safe place for venting and ranting about fraudsters and their behavior
 Wish to share information about the different options for making a "once and done" type of report about false claims, tax underpayment or other government regulatory violations.

WhistleWatch.org offers ongoing emotional and professional support to whistleblowers to ensure they can exercise their rights and ability to expose fraud and abuse while remaining free from harassment and intimidation. WhistleWatch.org also provides resources for attorneys, compliance officers and corporate leaders to share ideas about collaborating on improving the image of whistleblowers and the reception they receive from their co-workers, employers and the general public. Whistleblowers can visit www.WhistleWatch.org and click on the "Help and Safe Harbor" button to easily submit their questions, concerns, or feedback and receive the support they need to successfully report fraud and other wrongdoings.

About the Brown Center for Public Policy and Ethics in Business Institute:
The Brown Center for Public Policy was founded by whistleblowers to provide a safe, supportive platform in which whistleblowers can exchange ideas about how to encourage people to make the difficult decision to speak out against wrong doing. The Ethics in Business Institute works in coordination with the Brown Center for Public Policy to assist business leaders in implementing high integrity practices in day to day operations. www.whistlewatch.org

About Awareity:
Awareity helps leading organizations prevent the preventable and transform the status quo. Awareity is reinventing the way organizations prevent regulatory failures, compliance fines, lawsuits, privacy breaches, safety disconnects, operational challenges, ethical lapses, incident reporting failures, workplace violence and more. Awareity offers an innovative and cost-effective platform to connect the dots, eliminate embarrassing gaps and realize a better bottom line. www.awareity.com

Contact:
Katie Weaver
402.730.0077
[email protected]
[email protected]