How to react to sexual harassment

 What can you do?

No one deserves, or asks, to be sexually harassed. Everyone has the right to work and live in an environment that’s free from harassment, bullying, discrimination and violence. Sexual harassment is illegal (under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984).If you have been sexually harassed, here are some things you can do:

Talk to the offender

You can try resolving the situation yourself by explaining to the person who is harassing you that their behaviour is unwanted. However, this is only recommended if it’s something you feel safe and comfortable doing.

Tell someone

Sexual harassment isn’t something you need to deal with on your own. In the workplace, it might be worth talking to a HR person, who will be able to help you decide what to do. You might also want to talk to a trusted friend or family member about what's going on.

Be informed

If you’re being harassed at work, school or uni, find out what their policies and procedures are for preventing and handling sexual harassment. They may have processes in place already to deal with these situations and support you. 

Keep a diary

Document everything that happens, including when it occurred, the names of any people who saw what happened, and what you've done to try to stop it. It can be really useful to bring these records when talking to a manager or HR person so that they know exactly what has been happening, and when. 

Save any evidence

Keep text messages, social media comments, notes and emails. This evidence can also help if you make a complaint. 

Get external information and advice

If you are experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace, you can check Youth Law Australia to find the union representing your industry. They can give you advice on your options and your rights. Someone can also act on your behalf if you don't feel comfortable pursuing the issue alone. They should respect your confidentiality. If you’re concerned about this, ask them what their official privacy policy is.

What to do if the sexual harassment continues

You might need to make a formal complaint

At school or university, or in the workplace, the person sexually harassing you might be officially warned and be required to have counselling. If the sexual harassment continues, there might be a mediation process. If they fail to get help or stop what they are doing, they might be fired.

If you end up having to leave

If the harassment occurred in your workplace, you might be eligible for outstanding wages and entitlements if the harassment continues and you feel you have no alternative but to leave your job.

If you’re not happy with the official response to your complaint

If you think your school or workplace hasn’t responded properly to your sexual harassment, you can make a complaint to either the Australian Human Rights Commission or your state/territory Human Rights Commission (but you can only complain to one or the other). It’s free to make a complaint; however each state has a different time limit for lodging a complaint. Contact your local state/territory commission or check out the Australian Human Rights Commission website for more information.

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