Sexual Harassment in the Melbourne Workplace: What is it? And How to Avoid It
Let’s be honest. Working can sometimes be a stressful experience and tensions can often run high. But while we may all have our fair share of awkward moments, sexual harassment in the workplace is never something to be taken lightly.
If you have ever been on the receiving end of unwanted comments or advances in the workplace, you will know how uncomfortable it can make you feel. Sexual harassment in employment is something that no employee should ever have to deal with, but sadly it does occur with alarming regularity across the globe.
This article will explore what sexual harassment in employment actually means, how different types of conduct constitute sexual harassment and why you should never put up with it from your colleagues or superiors at work.
What does sexual harassment look like?
The law considers any behaviour that is of a sexual nature and unwanted by the person on the receiving end to be sexual harassment. This definition can include a wide array of behaviour that, in the majority of cases, seems to have nothing to do with sex at all.
This could include making sexual jokes, verbal advances, displaying sexually suggestive images, or asking for sexual favours in exchange for a promotion.
It could also include any uninvited touching or physical contact, such as putting a hand on someone’s knee, or hugging them without their permission.
If a colleague or superior makes you feel uncomfortable in any way because of their sexual nature, it is most likely sexual harassment. The law also protects you if you have been sexually harassed online. This offence is called cyber-sexual harassment and it could include abusive or offensive language, or sexual images being sent to you via email or social media.
Legal protection against sexual harassment in the workplace
It is important to remember that sexual harassment is a form of discrimination, and while the law surrounding discrimination is broad, sexual harassment is a specific type of discrimination.
This means that the law surrounding sexual harassment is particularly strict. In Australia, it is illegal to sexually harass someone at work. If an employee is sexually harassed by someone in a position of power over them, or by another employee, they can make a claim for sexual harassment at work and seek redress. Employees in Australia can also make a complaint of sexual harassment against an employer if they fail to take action against the offending employee or take the employee’s side.
Different types of conduct that may constitute sexual harassment
- Sexual comments – Making sexual comments about the victim’s clothing, body, or sexual history, either in private or in public, is a form of sexual harassment.
- Sexually suggestive jokes – Teasing a colleague about their sex life, or about being sexually inexperienced, is inappropriate, and it is also a form of sexual harassment.
- Unwanted sexual attention – Coercive sexual behaviour is a form of sexual harassment. This includes making repeated sexual advances towards a colleague after being told that they are unwanted, or attempting to trade a promotion for sex.
- Sexual images – Posting sexually explicit images or photographs of a colleague on social media without their consent is a form of sexual harassment.
- Sexual touching – Touching a colleague on their breasts, legs, or other parts of their body without their consent is a form of sexual harassment.
- Sexual intimidation – Making a colleague feel that they would be fired or otherwise harmed if they do not accept sexual advances is a form of sexual harassment.
How to deal with harassing behaviour in the workplace
If you are being sexually harassed at work, you should make every effort to confront the individual responsible and put an end to it as soon as possible. Let them know that the behaviour is unwanted and that you would like it to stop immediately.
If confronting the individual does not end the behaviour, you can make a complaint to your employer.
If you are in a position of power and you are sexually harassing a colleague, it is important that you stop the behaviour immediately. Apologise and make it clear that you do not want to cause the individual any harm or discomfort.
Conclusion
Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious matter that should never be tolerated. It is important that if you ever experience sexual harassment at work, you report it to your employer and seek legal advice.
Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination and is illegal in Melbourne. It is important to remember that sexual harassment can take many forms, so if you are ever in doubt, trust your gut instinct. If you have ever been harassed or discriminated against at work, you can report it to your local government body.
https://jolasers.com.au/sexual-harassment-investigation-in-the-melbourne-workplace
