If your friends are afraid of the repercussions of lodging a report with the labour dept, etc. then that omission is a decision - made out of fear. Whatever the reason, if a decision is made, the person making it should take responsibility for his/her decision. If you want people to help you fight for your human rights, you gotta give them something to fight with. The weight to be attached depends on the supporting proof your friends have. If it's harassment - need witnesses - verbal evidence can be proof as well but make sure your witnesses don't fall apart when questioned by the officers. The fact that they fall apart or tell conflicting stories is in itself proof that someone's definitely lying, etc.etc. There are so many issues, it's not as simple as you make it out to be and the authorities will know how to investigate properly. Give them facts, not baseless allegations.

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Don't want no drama,
No, no drama, no, no, no, no drama