Case studies: Workplace Sexual Harassment

Jane works in retail. She is being sexually harassed by her manager, Tom.

Tom makes inappropriate comments and unwanted sexual advances. He often asks her on dates and tells rude jokes. Jane feels embarrassed by his actions.

Jane speaks with Lucy, a Counsellor at 1800RESPECT.

Lucy asks Jane about what is happening. She reminds her that harassment is not her fault. Anyone can experience sexual harassment.

They discuss how to help Jane feel safer at work, including:

• If she feels comfortable to, speaking directly with Tom and asking him to stop
• Reporting Tom’s behaviour to a different manager or a union representative 
• Contacting the HR team in her organisation to report the behaviour
• Making a report to a government agency, such as the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Jane doesn’t feel comfortable talking with Tom. She is worried about losing work because of a complaint.

Jane is aware of her company’s HR policies and knows that reporting harassment to a trusted leader is encouraged. She has a good relationship with her union representative and decides to speak with them first.

Lucy tells Jane to record examples of when Tom has made her feel unsafe at work.

Lucy also asks Jane to use the Respect@Work website, which has helpful information about making a complaint.

Jane thanks Lucy for listening. Jane sets a meeting with her union representative before her next shift.

Tristan has just started a new job in construction. His colleague Susan is making him feel uncomfortable.

At a team meeting, Tristan told the group that he likes spending his spare time with his partner.

Tristan chose not to share any information about his partner, including their name or gender.

Susan has been asking intrusive questions about Tristan’s partner since the team meeting. Tristan politely doesn’t answer the questions.

Tristan hears Susan ask other staff for information about Tristan’s private life and sexuality.

He feels under attack but isn’t sure if what he’s experiencing is sexual harassment.

Tristan decides to call 1800RESPECT to get some advice. He speaks with Jennifer.

Tristan tells Jennifer that he is part of the LGBTQIA+ community. He doesn’t feel safe telling his new colleagues after a bad experience at his last job.

Jennifer speaks to Tristan. They talk about the built-up stress and anxiety that Tristan has faced while at work.

She reassures him that unwanted personal questions are part of workplace sexual harassment.

Jennifer reminds Tristan that his workplace has a duty to create a safe place to work, and provide you with information and support on how to respond if you experience sexual harassment.

Tristan decides he will look at the procedures for making a complaint at his new company. He wants to safely raise his concerns about Susan’s behaviour.

Jennifer tells Tristan about other options like making a complaint through the Australian Human Rights Commission, if Tristan isn’t happy with how his employer handles the situation.

Jennifer also uses the 1800RESPECT Service Directory to connect Tristan with a local LGBTQIA+ counsellor for ongoing help.

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1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or abuse, you can call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit our website for online chat and video call services:

• Available 24/7: Call, text or online chat
• Mon-Fri, 9am-midnight AEST (except national public holidays): Video call (no appointment needed)