Empowering Change:
We are Your Partner Against Workplace Sexual Harassment
At AWNA, we stand with you to combat sexual harassment, transforming workplaces one step at a time.
What is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is a pervasive issue that creates a hostile environment for the victim and violates the principles of equality and respect. It perpetuates power imbalances, erodes self-esteem, and can have long-lasting emotional and psychological effects.
Sexual harassment can happen to anyone, regardless of their gender, age, or background, and it takes many forms, including verbal harassment, physical contact, or the dissemination of explicit content without consent.
Types of Workplace Sexual Harassment:
Sexual harassment in the workplace in Australia, like in many other countries, can take various forms. The Australian Human Rights Commission defines sexual harassment as any unwanted or unwelcome sexual behaviour that makes a person feel offended, humiliated, or intimidated. Here are some common types of workplace sexual harassment in Australia:
Verbal Harassment:
This includes unwelcome sexual comments, advances, requests for sexual favours, or sexually explicit jokes. It can also involve offensive remarks about a person's appearance, body, or clothing.
Non-Verbal Harassment:
This type of harassment may involve leering, obscene gestures, or the display of sexually suggestive material such as explicit images or videos in the workplace.
Physical Harassment:
Unwanted physical contact, such as touching, fondling, hugging, or kissing without consent, is a form of sexual harassment. It can also include blocking someone's path or sexually invading their personal space.
Cyber Harassment:
In the digital age, sexual harassment can occur through electronic means. Sending explicit emails, text messages, or sharing sexually explicit content without consent can constitute cyber harassment.
Visual Harassment:
This involves the use of visual material, such as posters, drawings, or screensavers, that is sexually explicit or offensive in nature and creates a hostile work environment.
Coercion:
Coercive sexual harassment occurs when a person uses their position of power or authority to demand sexual favours in exchange for workplace benefits or to threaten negative consequences if the victim does not comply.
Hostile Work Environment:
When pervasive sexual comments, jokes, or behaviour create an intimidating, offensive, or hostile work environment, it can be considered sexual harassment.
Retaliation:
Retaliation occurs when an individual experiences negative consequences or is treated unfairly at work as a result of reporting or resisting sexual harassment.
Quid Pro Quo:
This involves a situation where a person in authority, such as a supervisor or manager, conditions employment-related benefits (e.g., promotions, raises, or job security) on the victim's submission to sexual advances or favours.