How to Deal with Sexual Harassment

Advice on how to deal with sexual harassment is usually written as a sequence, starting with telling the person to stop. That is one option among several, and it is not required of you.

• Write it down. Dates, what was said or done, who was present. Do this whatever else you decide, and keep it somewhere outside work systems.
• Tell them, if it is safe. Sometimes it ends there. It is not an obligation, and it carries risk where there is a power imbalance.
• Report internally. To a manager, HR, or another route if those are not appropriate.
• Go external. The Commission, the Fair Work Commission, or your state body.
• Get support first. Your EAP, a union, or a lawyer, before deciding anything.

You can also start one way and change course. The Australian Human Rights Commission explains the options. This is general information rather than legal advice.

See Sentrient’s sexual harassment course and sexual harassment articles.