Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual conduct which makes a person feel offended, humiliated and/or intimidated where that reaction is reasonable in the circumstances.
Sexual harassment can take various forms and includes (but not limited to):
• unwelcome touching, hugging, or kissing
• staring or leering
• sexually suggestive comments or jokes
• sexually explicit pictures, screen savers or posters
• unwanted invitations to go out or requests for sex
• sexually explicit emails or SMS messages
Conduct of this nature does not have to be repeated to be classified as sexual harassment. a single incident may be sufficient. Sexual harassment may also be a criminal offence in some cases.
We consider sexual harassment an unacceptable form of behaviour that will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Under the Federal and State anti-discrimination laws, sexual harassment in employment is prohibited.
It is our goal to create an environment free from sexual harassment and it is the responsibility of all workers to support this goal.
Managers and Supervisors must ensure all Workers are treated equitably and are not subject to sexual harassment. They must also ensure people who make complaints, or witnesses, are not victimized in any way.
If you believe you are being sexually harassed, you must act. Individual workers should appropriately and clearly discourage unwelcome attention at the time it occurs. Do not ignore sexual harassment thinking it will go away – often it just gets worse.
If you believe you are being sexually harassed, you should contact your Supervisor and outline the complaint. If your complaint involves your Supervisor or you are unable to contact your Supervisor, you should raise your complaint with the next level of Management.
Any reports of sexual harassment will be treated seriously and investigated promptly, confidentially, and impartially. Complaints may be lodged verbally, but preferably in writing.
Disciplinary action will be taken against anyone who sexually harasses a co-worker, customer, supplier, or any other person in the workplace. Discipline may involve a warning, formal counselling, demotion or.