Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is any unwelcomed sexual behaviour that makes a person feel offended, humiliated or threatened, any unwelcome sexual advance or request of sexual favours or unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature. This can be a single event or repeated events.

For example:
- physical advances ( touching, hugging)
- requesting sexual favours
- questions regarding someone’s personal life
- emails containing sexually explicit or derogatory content.

GCA can help investigate issues of sexual harassment. Incidents of harassment can impact on the psychological wellbeing of an employee and can impact on the entire workplace.

Bullying, discrimination or harassment on other grounds such as; disability, race, gender, age, sexuality, pregnancy and marital status are also covered under South Australian law. You are encouraged to contact the Equal Opportunity Commission or phone them on (08) 8207 1977 or for country callers 1800 188 163.
For employers a workplace free from sexual harassment reduces stress and staff turnover, increases staff morale and productivity, and saves you time and money.

The Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (SA), requires you to prevent sexual harassment in your workplace. If you knew about it happening, or should have known about it, you must act to stop it and prevent it from happening again.

The Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Act 1986 (SA) also requires you to provide a safe workplace, take care of your staff's physical and psychological well-being and take steps to recognise, assess and control hazards, including sexual harassment.