Understand what you can do if someone is sexually harassing you at work. Use this information when the conduct started on or after 6 March 2023. If the conduct started before this date, see Sexual harassment commencing before 6 March 2023.
On this page:
Talk to someone you trust about what happened. This could be someone at work, a friend, a union representative or a health professional.
You could tell the person their behaviour is inappropriate and ask them to stop if it is safe to do so.
You don’t have to speak to the person (or to anyone else) about what happened before coming to the Commission. It’s your choice.
You could try to resolve the issue using support available at your work.
You could start by speaking to the:
Your workplace may have sexual harassment policies and processes in place. Think about whether you want to make a formal or informal complaint to human resources or your manager so it can be investigated.
Depending on what has happened, different government bodies might be able to help you.
The Fair Work Ombudsman has information for people who may have experienced sexual harassment in connection with work and for employers, including about protections from sexual harassment, preventing and managing sexual harassment in the workplace. Visit the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website at Sexual harassment in the workplace .
Find out where to find legal help, including free legal advice for eligible people from the Commission’s Workplace Advice Service.
Commission staff on our Helpline can give you information on:
Commission staff can’t give you legal advice or tell you how to run your case.
Find out who can apply for the Commission to deal with a sexual harassment dispute.
You can also find useful information about who to contact about:
You may be eligible to apply for us to deal with a sexual harassment dispute and seek orders to stop the sexual harassment. See Who can apply to us to deal with a sexual harassment dispute.
The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) accepts complaints about sexual harassment and sex-based discrimination. Its website also has links to support services for sexual harassment, sexual assault, mental health, rape, domestic violence and work health and safety in each state and territory.
Some forms of sexual harassment are also crimes.
To find out more, contact your local police station on 131 444 (Australia wide).
When you are part of a case at the Fair Work Commission, it can be a stressful time. Help is available so you can look after your mental health and wellbeing.