Workplace harassment is unwanted behaviour that is likely to offend, humiliate or intimidate a person, and which is based on personal attributes such as:

• Age
• Gender
• Race
• Religion
• Marital status
• Disability

The harassment may occur at your place of work or at workplace events and may be physical or psychological.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual behaviour. Sexual harassment is against the law if it would make a reasonable person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated. Sexual harassment can be physical, verbal or written.

Some examples of sexual harassment include:

• brushing up against someone, touching, fondling or hugging;
• unwanted requests for sex;
• sexual messages in emails, text messages or on social networking sites;
• sexually suggestive comments or jokes; or
• repeated requests to go out. 

To be eligible to make a complaint, the sexual harassment must be connected to your workplace. Connected to the workplace means that you can still be sexually harassed after hours, for example at a work function or Christmas party.

If you feel in immediate danger, you may wish to apply to the Magistrates’ Court for a Personal Safety Intervention Order with the assistance of our office, to protect you from the harasser and impose conditions to restrict the individual from having contact with you. Some harassing behaviour is criminal such as sexual assault, indecent exposure and stalking, and may be investigated by the police.

If you have been harassed at or in connection to your workplace, we can assist you making a complaint against the person harassing you and your employer. Your employer may be held vicariously liable for the actions of the harasser. This complaint  must be made within 12 months from the date you were harassed. We can also provide advice as to the most suitable venue to make a complaint. 

At Pace & Associates Lawyers, we work with you every step of the way during the complaint process, including liaising with the relevant body and your employer/harasser, so that you never feel alone.

Contact our office to schedule an obligation free consultation.