What is sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment is not okay, not ever. All workers have the right to a safe workplace that is free of sexual harassment.
What is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment at work can take many forms. Under the Fair Work Act, sexual harassment is defined as:
- an unwelcome sexual advance
- request for sexual favours
- other unwelcome conducts of a sexual nature such as suggestive comments or jokes, comments about your appearance, or asking questions about your private life
Workplace sexual harassment isn’t just limited to unwelcome physical touching, it can be also be verbal or written.
Your employer’s responsibility
Whether it’s by your manager, a co-worker or customer, workplace sexual harassment is against the law and a breach of your right to a safe workplace.
Your employer has a duty of care to provide you with a safe workplace and should have clear policies and training related to sexual harassment.
What you can do
Speaking out against and formally reporting sexual harassment isn’t an easy thing to do, but it’s it’s critical to protecting yourselves and others now and into the future.
Some actions you can take include:
- Telling the perpetrator that their behaviour makes you feel uncomfortable if you feel it is safe to do so
- Report it to the SDA so we can help you raise this with your employer and give you advice
- Keep a detailed record of any incidents
What the SDA will do
The SDA takes all sexual harassment complaints seriously and is here to stand with and support all workers who have experienced sexual harassment.
We’re committed to handling any complaints confidentially, sympathetically and quickly and will always put your best interests first.
If you are considering making a claim for sexual harassment, there are time limits around this so we encourage you contact the SDA as soon as you’re ready.
Four Point Plan for Addressing Retail Workplace Sexual Harassment
The SDA has now endorsed a 4-point plan is now seeking that employers:
- Have consistent policies and procedures including clear expectations about behaviours at work and adhere to the SWA Model Code of Practice for Sexual and Gender-based Harassment and Code of Practice for Managing Psychosocial Hazards at work.
- Respond rapidly and share information with complainants and their union including about progress of investigations, the outcomes, and actions arising from their complaint.
- Make the process easier for workers to navigate by:
- training all managers and supervisors in person, with real retail case studies, role play, and assessment.
- not permitting cases to be managed by those who are not equipped; and
- training workers in sexual harassment complaint processes.
- Reduce under reporting by improving incident reporting systems so that:
- it’s easy for workers to note minor incidents, and
- it’s clear where to report sexual harassment, including noting when customer abuse and violence is sexual in nature.
You can read more about SDA's campaign against sexual harassment below.
Professional Help & Resources
Remember that you are not alone. If you need professional help or resources, consider the below resources.
And if you need help at work, contact the SDA.
If you are in danger, call 000.
| Helpline | Phone Number | Website | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lifeline | 13 11 14 | www.lifeline.org.au | ||
| Beyond Blue | 1300 22 4636 | www.beyondblue.org.au | ||
| Kids Helpline | 1300 22 4636 | www.kidshelpline.com.au | ||
| The National Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence Counselling Service | 1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732 | www.1800respect.org.au | ||
| Family and Drug Support Australia | 1300 368 186 | https://www.fds.org.au/ | ||
| National Gambling Helpline | 1800 858 858 | https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/ |
