Preventing sexual harassment

Under the federal Sex Discrimination Act 1984, businesses have a legal obligation to eliminate, as far as possible, workplace sexual harassment and sex discrimination. This requires workplaces to be proactive in preventing sexual harassment and sex discrimination rather than be reactive to these behaviours.

This article focuses on recently released online learning modules through the Human Rights Commission as the first step in taking a proactive approach to preventing sexual harassment. The online training covers:

• unlawful sexual harassment, what it looks like and who is liable for the behaviour
• the fourth (2018) and fifth (2022) national surveys on sexual harassment
• new Positive Duty obligations on all employers
• why it is important to recognise the traits associated with sexual harassment and what actions can and are required to be put in place to effectively prevent and respond to these.

The online module is easy for you to register on and costs $16.50 including GST. 
After the acknowledgement to country, the module starts with an explanation of the interactive nature of the module with      icon used to highlight key topics. Interestingly you can see how many other people have explored the topic. There is also a journal which allows you to keep personal notes as you work your way through the module.

The course is broken into six parts which enables the user to learn at their own pace.

The content is informative and engaging featuring real cases heard at the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal. It provides a great first step in understanding in practical terms what is required to legally meet your obligations as an employer.

If you’re interested in this training or other free online training, go to Training | Australian Human Rights Commission

As the content of the training is based on real cases, there are videos that talk directly about this topic which some learners may find distressing. The following support services are available:

• Lifeline or Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support Suicide Prevention.
• Beyond Blue – mental health information and support Ph: 1300 22 4636 www.beyondblue.org.au 
• 1800 Respect – 24-hour confidential information, counselling and support for people impacted by domestic, family, sexual violence. Ph:1800 737 732 | www.1800respect.org.au 
• 24 hour National Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault helpline.  Ph: 1800 555 677 
• Mensline - free confidential counselling, support, referrals for men.  Ph: 1300 78 99 78 Website:  www.mensline.org.au 
• 13YARN - 24/7 culturally safe crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Ph: 13 92 76 | Website: www.13yarn.org.au 
• Relationships Australia - support services. Ph: 1300 364 277 | www.relationships.org.au
• Working Women’s Centres - information, advocacy, support and advice on work-related issues. Phone:1800 621 458 | Website: Welcome to Basic Rights Queensland - brq.org.au
• Domestic Violence Helpline - Phone: 1800 811 811 | Website: dvconnect.org
• Sexual Assault Helpline - Phone: 1800 010 120