Sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexual advance, unwelcome request for sexual favours, or other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature towards you.
Sexual harassment can include:
- unwelcome touching, hugging, cornering or kissing
- inappropriate staring or leering
- suggestive comments or jokes
- using suggestive or sexualised nicknames for co-workers
- sexually explicit pictures, images or gifts
- circulating sexually explicit material
- persistent unwanted invitations to go out on dates
- requests or pressure for sex
- intrusive questions or comments about a person’s private life or body
- unnecessary familiarity, such as deliberately brushing up against a person
- insults or taunts based on sex
- sexual gestures or indecent exposure
- following/stalking, watching or loitering nearby another person
- sexually explicit or indecent physical contact
- sexually explicit or indecent emails, phone calls, text messages or online interactions
- repeated or inappropriate advances online
- threatening to share intimate images or film without consent, and
- actual or attempted rape or sexual assault.
Sexual harassment is unlawful under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) and may be an offence under Australian criminal law depending on the conduct.
Access Support Services
MOP(S) Act Employees can access confidential trauma-informed support and assistance. The PWSS Counselling & Support team can provide confidential support and advice on your options. You can remain anonymous while receiving support.
- Call us at 1800 PH PWSS (1800 747 977 - option 1).
- Email support@pwss.gov.au- external site
- Text us on 0487 112 755.
- Stop by and see us, or make an appointment. We are located at Suite M2.105 in Parliament House. We are available from 8:30am-7pm Monday to Wednesday of sitting weeks and from 9am-5pm on all other business days.
