Introduction
There are things you can do if you think someone is sexually harassing you at work.
On this page:
Content
Get support
Talk to someone you trust about what happened. This could be someone at work, a friend or a health professional.
Consider whether to talk to the person
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 talk to anyone else about what happened before coming to the Commission. It’s your choice.
Ask the workplace for help
You could try to resolve the issue using support available at your work.
You could start by speaking to the:
- supervisor or manager
- human resources department
- health and safety representative
- union representative
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) if available – you may be able to use this to access free professional counselling.
Consider making a complaint
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.
Find out whether a government body can help
Depending on what has happened, different government bodies might be able to help you.
Respect@Work
The Respect@Work website has information and resources on dealing with workplace sexual harassment.
The Fair Work Commission
You may be eligible to apply to the Commission for orders to stop sexual harassment at work.
Our Helpline staff can give you information on:
- who can apply to the Commission
- how to make or respond to a claim about sexual harassment at work
- how to fill out a form
- our processes for managing cases.
Our staff can’t give you legal advice or tell you how to run your case, but our Workplace Advice Service offers free legal advice. We also have information on our website about where to find legal help.
Find out who can apply to the Commission to stop sexual harassment at work.
You can also find out who to contact about:
- sexual harassment and discrimination
- sexual harassment and the general protections and
- sexual harassment and work health and safety.
The Fair Work Ombudsman
The Fair Work Ombudsman has information for people who may have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace and for employers, including about protections from sexual harassment, prevention and managing sexual harassment in the workplace. Visit the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website at Sexual harassment in the workplace.
The Australian Human Rights Commission
If you have experienced sexual harassment for discriminatory reasons, you may be able to make a complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission. 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
Call the police
Some forms of sexual harassment are also crimes.
To find out more, contact your local police station on 131 444 (Australia wide).
Look after your health and wellbeing
Experiencing sexual harassment at work can be difficult and stressful. Our website has information about help and support to look after your mental health and wellbeing.