Sexual Harrassment....

• What is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that can occur at work, school, tafe, uni or in social settings. Sexual harassment in the workplace is any form of unwelcome sexual attention that is, or that you find, offensive, humiliating or intimidating that occurs anywhere you carry out any task for your employment.

• What are typical things that a person would do to Sexually Harass someone?
     Unwelcome touching, grabbing or other physical contact
     Comments that have sexual meanings
     Asking for sex or sexual favours
     Leering and staring
     Displaying rude and offensive material, e.g. calendars, cartoons
     Sexual gestures and body movement
     Sexual jokes and comments
     Questions about your sex life
     Sex based insults
     Criminal offences such as obscene phone calls, indecent exposure and sexual assault. 
• What sort of person Sexually Harasses others?
Like bullies, people who sexually harass others at work often have low self-esteem or have been a victim of violence themselves. They sexually harass others as a way of making themselves feel more powerful.

• What should you do if you are the victim of Sexual Harassment?

Tell someone. Human Resource Manager, your employer, a supervisor/manager or health and safety representative

If the situation continues or is serious, you might need to make a formal (written) complaint that follows company policy. This could lead to couselling, mediation or eventually termination of employment of the bully.

If the person doing the bullying is your employer or they do not do anything to stop it, it's important you get outside support and advice.

• How can Sexual Harassment affect you?

    Feel stressed, anxious or depressed
    Want to stay away from work (more than usual)
    Feel unable to trust your employer or the people you work with
    Lack confidence and self-esteem in yourself and your work
    Have physical symptoms of stress such as headaches, backaches, sleep problems
    Have your life outside of work affected, e.g. study, relationships
    Be less productive and unable to concentrate
• What are your rights?

No one deserves or asks to be sexually harassed. Everyone has the right to work in an environment free from harassment, bullying discrimination and violence.

Sexual harassment is illegal (under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984). All employers are obliged to provide a harassment-free workplace where every one is free to get on with their job. If they don't, they can be held legally responsible for acts of sexual harassment committed by their employees.