How To Deal With Sexual Assault At Work

How to deal with sexual assault at work differs from handling a harassment complaint, because the conduct may be criminal.

The employer’s instinct is to investigate internally first. That sequence causes harm. It can discourage the person from going to police, statements taken by untrained staff can compromise a later criminal investigation, and the strongest internal outcome sits well below what the conduct may warrant.

A safer order. Deal with immediate safety by separating the people involved. Tell the affected person clearly that reporting to police is available, that the choice is theirs, and that support is provided either way. Say that the organisation will meet its own safety obligations regardless of what they decide. Then take advice before any internal process begins.

This is a sensitive topic. Anyone affected can seek support from a health professional or a specialist service.

Safe Work Australia covers occupational violence. This is general information rather than legal advice, and obligations vary by state and territory.

See Sentrient’s occupational violence and aggression training and sexual harassment course.