It is the responsibility of all employees to ensure that everybody in the workplace is free from sexual harassment. Every employee plays a significant role in ensuring the achievement of workplaces that are free of all forms of sexual harassment.
Sexual harassment has been illegal in Australia for almost 28 years. Yet, according to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, in 2003 it remained a significant problem in workplaces across the country. A review of 152 complaints made to the Commission in 2003 found that most came from women, and almost a quarter involved sexual physical behaviour.
Sexual harassment is any unwanted or unwelcome sexual behaviour which makes a person feel offended or humiliated. It has nothing to do with mutual attraction or consensual behaviour.
