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SEXUAL HARASSMENT IS AGAINST THE LAW

Your employer has an obligation to prevent and stop sexual harassment in the workplace. It is not your fault and you do not have to put up with it.

Sexual harassment is unwelcome behaviour which makes a person feel offended, humiliated and/or intimidated. It’s not on.

Sexual harassment can take many forms:

  • Innuendos
  • Deliberate suggestive comments
  • Unwanted, persistent or intrusive questions
  • Unwanted physical contact
  • Rude gestures
  • Offensive imagery or sexually suggestive emails and text messages
  • Considering a person’s physical attributes rather than their skill or experience, or
  • Stalking.

SAFETY. RESPECT. EQUITY.

We invite you to join us in demanding a future in which all women enjoy safety, respect and equity.

2021 wasn’t the first year that Australian women were harassed or unsafe or violated or ignored or disrespected. And it wasn’t the first year that women spoke up. But in 2021 more Australians started to listen to women of different ages, occupations and beliefs, who stood up and spoke out, exposing discrimination, harassment, sexism, disrespect and intimidation. And the more people listened, the more familiar the story became.

Over the years there have been countless reviews, inquiries, promises, conferences and bodies established to assess and report on the inequity and injustice women face, but there has been no meaningful change.

Visit: https://www.safetyrespectequity.com.au/

HOW DOES SEXUAL HARASSMENT IMPACT PEOPLE EXPERIENCING IT?
  • Loss of confidence or job satisfaction
  • Effects on mental and/or physical health including loss of sleep or inability to concentrate
  • Inability to relax
  • Difficulty coping with everyday tasks or
  • Lowered job performance.

WHAT CAN I DO IF I’M EXPERIENCING SEXUAL HARASSMENT?

If you are experiencing sexual harassment, you have legal rights.

Start by keeping notes to document the behaviour and know that you are not alone.

Our team at the United Services Union are by your side, we support our members through avenues to address sexual harassment which may include:

  • Formal and informal steps including how to discuss this issue with others including co-workers if appropriate and if you feel safe to do so
  • Informing you about the procedures in place in your workplace or industry
  • Advocating for you on your behalf
  • Assisting you to lodge a grievance or complaint, legal action, or in applying for workers’ compensation.

Any advice or support will be tailored to your circumstances. If you do experience sexual harassment our immediate advice is to note the details and call the United Services Union.

Your safety and health are the priority and you do not have to put up with sexual harassment of any kind.

The United Services Union is here to listen and here to help.  We can provide support throughout any internal investigation as well as Representation in either the Fair Work Commission or NSW Industrial Relations Commission.  If the matter is a Workers Compensation Claim, USU members are also entitled to Legal Representation through the process.

If you are not a member and wish to join, you can do so by going to our website HERE or contact our Help Line on 1300 136 604 or speak to your Union Delegate

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