ARTICLE · 08 APRIL 2022

Workplace sexual harassment and compensation

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Options for compensation for those who have experienced sexual harassment at work.

AustraliaEmployment and HR

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Everyone has the right to a workplace that is safe and free from sexual harassment. Despite legislation across multiple Acts of Parliament aimed at protecting workers against sexual harassment, incidents continue to occur. In this article, we look at the options for compensation for those who have experienced sexual harassment at work.

DEFINING SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcomed sexual behaviour which could be expected to make a person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated including sexual advances, request for sexual favours or engagement in conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment is not consensual flirtation.

This is the definition of sexual harassment regardless of where it happens.

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