Whistleblowing in high levels of government and corporations often leads to retaliation, where employers punish employees for reporting fraud or misconduct. This retaliation can take various forms, from termination and job change to harassment and psychological pressure. 

Many whistleblowers are unprepared for the lack of protection and unaware of their legal rights. It’s crucial to understand the risks and relevant laws before reporting, as retaliation remains a common occurrence. 

Ideally, confidentiality would be the best defense. However, considering the reality of retaliation, it’s advisable to seek legal counsel from a whistleblower retaliation attorney before taking any action. 

Legally, whistleblower retaliation occurs when an employer punishes an employee for engaging in protected activities, such as reporting violations, even if suspected. This emphasizes the widespread issue of internal retaliation and the need for whistleblowers to be informed about its various forms to prevent and combat it.