Are you being sexually harassed at work? Last year, many powerful men were forced from their positions when news of their sexual impropriety was made public. The number of people who admitted to their improper behaviour made it clear how widespread this problem is.
The Australian Human Rights Commission defines sexual harassment as “any unwanted or unwelcome sexual behaviour, which makes a person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated.” Despite being outlawed for twenty years; sexual harassment is still a problem in Australia.
If you would like to speak out against sexual harassment at work, your first step should be to hire an employment lawyer. Whether you’re located in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, or Perth, knowledgeable employment lawyers are available for guidance, strategy, and support.
Exposing sexual harassment in the workplace is courageous and worthwhile. Hiring an employment lawyer can make taking this stand easier.
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What is Sexual Harassment?
The definition of sexual harassment is "any unwanted or unwelcome sexual
behaviour, which makes a person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated.” What types of
behaviour, exactly, are considered to fall into this category? According to ReachOut.com, some examples might be:
- Touching, grabbing or making
other physical contact with you without your consent.
- Making comments to you that have a sexual meaning.
- Asking you for sex or sexual
favours.
- Leering or staring at you.
- Displaying rude and offensive material so that you or others can see it.
- Making sexual gestures or suggestive body movements towards you.
- Cracking sexual jokes and comments around you or to you.
- Questioning you about your sex life.
- Insulting you with sexual comments.
Sexual harassment may cross the line into criminal actions. Examples of
behaviours that may be considered crimes include making an obscene phone call, indecently exposing themselves to you, or sexually assaulting you.
What Can You Do?
If the
behaviour has only recently begun, the first step is to talk directly to the person harassing you, to let him know that the
behaviour is unwanted and unacceptable. Sometimes this simple act will put a stop to the
behaviour. If it continues, document everything that happens in a diary, and save any evidence such as notes, phone messages, or social media comments. Find out what your workplace policies are regarding sexual harassment and file a complaint. If the
behaviour continues, contact an employment lawyer. A legal professional can advise you as to how to proceed.
Sexual harassment in the workplace is something that should not be tolerated. If you are experiencing any unwanted act at your place of work, contact an employment lawyer today to get the help you need.