What Are Less Obvious Forms of Sexual Harassment

What are less obvious forms of sexual harassment? Largely the conduct that is deniable, which is also the conduct that does the most cumulative damage.

Attention that stays just short of explicit, so any objection sounds like an overreaction. Being singled out for one to one meetings with no clear purpose. Comments framed as compliments that are really about appearance. Physical proximity that is technically incidental. Persistent contact outside work hours on personal channels.

None of these produces a clean example to report. The person experiencing it usually questions their own reading of it first, which is exactly why it continues.

A hostile workplace environment on the ground of sex is also covered by the positive duty, and it does not require conduct aimed at one person.

The Australian Human Rights Commission publishes guidance. This is general information rather than legal advice, and obligations vary by state and territory.

See Sentrient’s sexual harassment course and psychological safety training course.