Sexual harassment can come in many forms and can occur in the workplace, at school, at university or other education institutions and within the community. 1 in 5 women and 1 in 20 men experience some form of sexual harassment in the workplace (Australian Human Rights Commission, 2008).
The Australian Human Rights Commission (2013) identifies that sexual harassment can occur on one or more occasions, be direct or indirect, and may include:
Sometimes the person subjected to sexual harassment may be so traumatized that they suffer serious emotional consequences and may not be able to perform their job properly or concentrate while studying. The study or work environment may be so hostile and intimidating that it causes the person subjected to sexual harassment to leave their job or education and look elsewhere. Sexual harassment can be demoralizing on everyone within range of the harassment.
In recent years, multimedia and social networking sites including Facebook and Twitter, have been increasingly used in the perpetration of sexual offenses and sexual harassment.
In Australia, the Sex Discrimination Act makes sexual harassment unlawful in the workplace, in education, employment and in accommodation and in the provision of goods and services. People who feel they have been sexually harassed can make a complaint in writing, via email or over the phone to the Australian Human Rights Commission. You can find contact details for the Commission under Other Useful Contacts.
To see how the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre can support you please call 6247 2525.
The Canberra Rape Crisis Centre (CRCC) is a non-government, Feminist organisation working collaboratively within service provision systems in the ACT and surrounding areas to provide services and programs to eliminate sexual violence in our community.
We provide a crisis support line, information and referral, advocacy and counselling services to victim survivors of sexual violence. Our services extend to provide community support for First Nations survivors, as well as community education and training programs.
The Canberra Rape Crisis Centre acknowledges that we conduct our work on the lands of the Ngunnawal & Ngambri People, Traditional Custodians of the Canberra region. We pay respect to First Nations Peoples and Elders past and present throughout the nation. We recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities, and acknowledge that lands were never ceded.
Canberra Rape Crisis Centre
P.O Box 3805,
WESTON CREEK, ACT 2611
Admin & Business Enquiries:
Business Phone Line (02) 6287 3618
Email crcc@crcc.org.au
Crisis Support & Services Information:
Crisis Phone Line (02) 6247 2525
Crisis Text Contact Only 0488 586 518
Crisis Email Contact crisis@crcc.org.au
Community Education & Training Enquiries:
Business Phone Line (02) 6287 3618
Email cep@crcc.org.au
CRCC is committed to excellence in service provision, intersectional feminism, access & equity, diversity & inclusion.