skip to Main Content
1800 437 825 Media
Sexual Harassment Could Become A Criminal Offence

Sexual harassment could become a criminal offence

Sexual harassment could become a criminal offence after the announcement of a new national inquiry into the problem.

The inquiry will investigate why sexual harassment continues to happen in workplaces.

Sexual harassment could become a criminal offence after year-long inquiry

The year-long investigation will be headed by Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins.

It will examine the prevalence, nature and reporting of sexual harassment across all industries.

As part of the inquiry, Ms Jenkins will consider if existing laws are adequate, and is open to making sexual harassment a crime.

“We would absolutely consider that as one of the options,” she said.

One in five women and one in 20 men

The inquiry comes as the Australian Human Rights Commission finishes up its national survey into workplace sexual harassment.

Currently, one in five women, and one in 20 men experience sexual harassment during their working life.

Miles Heffernan, Director of Litigation at Discrimination Claims, said the inquiry is long overdue.

“It’s time we saw some real reform in this area,” he said.

“Workplace sexual harassment still happens too frequently, despite it being unlawful.

“And furthermore, in many cases, victims feel they are not able to come forward.”

The cost of sexual harassment

Sexual harassment costs companies tens of thousands in compensation, in addition to causing long-term damage to victims.

Discrimination Claims recently won $12,500 for a young spray painter subjected to constant taunts and teasing about his perceived sexuality.

For example, his colleagues scrawled crude graffiti in dust on a number of windows.

The crude graffiti drawn on a window.

Additionally, Discrimination Claims won $30,000 for a farm hand subjected to persistent sexual harassment.

That case also included offensive anti-gay graffiti and signs placed around his workplace by colleagues.

“In that case, the harassment was so bad, the young man attempted suicide,” Mr Heffernan said.

“Sexual harassment is a serious problem, and it needs serious solutions, so if we end up with tougher laws, that won’t be a bad thing.”


Call our team at Discrimination Claims on

1800 437 825

To connect with us, please follow us on

 

Back To Top