[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F4F3F3″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||36px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”margin:auto;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_2_text_color=”#FD7D2E” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
<\/strong><\/p>\n Information about how to make a report or complaint about workplace sexual harassment to an external agency.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/circlegreen.org.au\/get-help\/” button_text=”Get help” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_color=”gcid-3882e00a-c4d4-4eab-87fe-1ee2c0783f21″ button_border_width=”0px” custom_margin=”||16px|||” custom_padding=”5px|32px|5px|32px|false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-3882e00a-c4d4-4eab-87fe-1ee2c0783f21%22:%91%22button_bg_color%22%93}”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/circlegreen.org.au\/resource\/language-help\/” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Language help” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_bg_color=”#33b7b9″ button_border_width=”0px” custom_margin=”10px|||||” custom_padding=”5px|32px|5px|32px|false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”margin:auto;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/circlegreen.org.au\/projects\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/workplace-respect-logo.png” title_text=”workplace-respect-logo” url=”https:\/\/circlegreen.org.au\/projects\/workplace-respect\/” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”50%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”64px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”64px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”-30px|||||” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”How do I make a formal report or claim with an external agency?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”|700|||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_font_size=”51px” title_line_height=”1.3em” custom_margin=”7px|||||” custom_padding=”18px||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-55px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”|||0px||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”18px||35px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n This page is provided as general information only and is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. By using the information on this page, you agree to our full disclaimer.<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n There are a range of options that may be available to a worker who has been targeted by workplace sexual harassment.<\/span><\/p>\n The reporting option you choose will depend on your specific situation \u2013 for example, where you work, the date the harassment occurred, whether you\u2019re an employee in the state or national system<\/a>, and what outcome you are hoping for.<\/span><\/p>\n The process of making a report to an external body (outside of your workplace) can be overwhelming. \u00a0There are several reporting pathways; some of them are mutually exclusive and mean you can\u2019t apply for another pathway if you\u2019ve already taken a particular pathway, while other pathways are able to be taken concurrently. We recommend seeking legal advice<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n There are services available that assist you to understand more about your options, so that you can make a decision based on the outcome you\u2019re seeking. To find out more, visit our page on getting legal advice, or read more below.<\/span><\/p>\n Depending on which pathway you choose, there may only be a short time limit from the date the harassment occurred to make a complaint.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(51,183,185,0.18)” min_height=”97.1px” custom_margin=”-30px|||||” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”7px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”27px||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Learn more about legal claims and other pathways” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”|700|||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_font_size=”39px” title_letter_spacing=”1px” title_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”20px||3px||false|false” custom_padding=”2px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(51,183,185,0.18)” min_height=”728.7px” custom_margin=”0px||-50px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”Where a crime has occurred” open_toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|600|||||||” title_font_size=”22px” closed_title_font=”|600|||||||” closed_title_text_align=”left” background_color=”#248484″ border_radii=”on|9px|9px|9px|9px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Sometimes sexual harassment can also be sexual assault, which is a criminal conduct. For example, if the perpetrator touches you, this may be sexual harassment and sexual assault.<\/span><\/p>\n If you are sexually assaulted, you may choose to:<\/span><\/p>\n Report the sexual harassment to police if it involves criminal conduct<\/strong><\/span> Make a criminal injuries compensation claim if a crime was committed\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong>If\u00a0you\u2019ve suffered bodily harm, mental or nervous shock, or pregnancy resulting from an offence, then you may be entitled to criminal injuries compensation (CIC). CIC can cover compensation for things like:<\/span> Circle Green does not advise on criminal injuries compensation. For more information, you should check out:<\/em><\/span> [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Making a systemic advocacy report” open_toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|600|||||||” title_font_size=”22px” closed_title_font=”|600|||||||” closed_title_text_align=”left” background_color=”#248484″ border_radii=”on|9px|9px|9px|9px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n These types of reporting options are not legal claims and will not result in a personal remedy or compensation. They are options that are available regardless of whether you make a legal claim. You can also report to both agencies independently.<\/span><\/p>\n When you report to these agencies, it doesn\u2019t guarantee they will investigate your specific matter, but your report does provide the agencies with data that they can use to see systemic patterns to understand which organisations or businesses should be investigated. For example, if the agency notices several workplace sexual harassment reports stemming from a specific company, it could trigger an investigation.<\/span><\/p>\n Reporting to the below agencies is a form of advocacy which contributes to the improvement of the overall \u201csystem\u201d of safe and respectful workplaces.<\/span><\/p>\n Workplace sexual harassment is a work healthy and safety issue. If you have been sexually harassed at work, you might consider making a report to WorkSafe. WorkSafe has the power to investigate employers, and ask them to improve their systems. Work Safe doesn\u2019t necessarily investigate every report, but making a report helps them to recognise patterns of conduct.<\/span><\/p>\n To make a sexual harassment report to WorkSafe, you can:<\/span><\/p>\n You can report workplace sexual harassment anonymously (without saying who you are) by contacting WorkSafe.<\/span><\/p>\n For more information:<\/span><\/p>\n Your employer has an obligation to take all reasonable steps to prevent workplace sexual harassment and other unlawful behaviour under the Sex Discrimination Act.<\/span><\/p>\n The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has powers to investigate and enforce an employer\u2019s positive duty to eliminate sexual harassment and other unlawful behaviours.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The\u00a0 AHRC does not have capacity to investigate every report, but reporting a breach will help the Commission better understand repeat patterns and help them to make informed decisions about potential investigations.<\/span><\/p>\n To report a breach, you can:<\/span><\/p>\n For more information about what behaviour is covered by the positive duty see the Australian Human Rights Commission’s\u00a0<\/span>Information Guide<\/span>.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Applying for stop sexual harassment orders” open_toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|600|||||||” title_font_size=”22px” closed_title_font=”|600|||||||” closed_title_text_align=”left” background_color=”#248484″ border_radii=”on|9px|9px|9px|9px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If you are still in your job, to prevent future instances of sexual harassment, you may wish to:<\/span><\/p>\n If you are a state system employee<\/span><\/a> who has been sexually harassed at work, you may be able to apply to the WA Industrial Relations Commission (WAIRC) for an order to stop the sexual harassment. <\/span><\/p>\n The WAIRC can only make an order if there is a risk that you will continue to be sexually harassed at work. So, if you are no longer employed at the workplace where the sexual harassment took place, or if there is no risk that the sexual harassment will continue, the WAIRC cannot make anti-sexual harassment orders. The WAIRC cannot make an order for compensation (i.e. money) or reinstatement (i.e. getting your job back).<\/span><\/p>\n For more information:<\/span><\/p>\n If the sexual harassment occurred before 6 March 2023, you may be eligible to apply to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) for an order to stop the sexual harassment. <\/span><\/p>\n The FWC can only make an order if there is a risk that you will continue to be sexually harassed at work. So, if you are no longer employed at the workplace where the sexual harassment took place, or if there is no risk that the sexual harassment will continue, the FWC cannot make anti-sexual harassment orders. The FWC cannot make an order that you be paid money. It also cannot order reinstatement (ie getting your job back). The FWC\u2019s focus is on sorting out the issues and allowing you to return to work as normal.<\/span><\/p>\n If the harassment occurred on or after 6 March 2023, you can apply to FWC to deal with the matter either by making orders to stop the sexual harassment as above,and\/ or deal with the matter in another way (see below option on making a complaint to the FWC).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For more information:<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Making a sexual harassment complaint” open_toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|600|||||||” title_font_size=”22px” closed_title_font=”|600|||||||” closed_title_text_align=”left” background_color=”#248484″ border_radii=”on|9px|9px|9px|9px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n You can make a complaint through the Equal Opportunity Commission, the Australian Human Rights Commission, or the Fair Work Commission. The eligibility criteria, process and timeframes are different for each Commission, but generally speaking the process usually involves negotiating with the other party (through conciliation<\/span><\/a>) to try to reach a resolution. During the negotiations, you have the option to request actions such as an apology, reinstatement, policy changes, or compensation to be part of the settlement. If the dispute is unable to be resolved, the next step might be going to arbitration, or applying to have the matter heard at a court or tribunal.<\/span><\/p>\n You can make a complaint to the Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC) in writing, either by hard copy or online.<\/span><\/p>\n You generally have one year from the date of the sexual harassment to make a complaint to the EOC.<\/span><\/p>\n The Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC) can help you work things out with your employer and might arrange a meeting called conciliation<\/a> to make this happen.<\/span><\/p>\n During conciliation, you can talk about what you want with your employer. If you both agree on something, a formal agreement can be made. You can ask for different things, like compensation, but remember there’s a maximum amount (up to $40,000) set by the State Administrative Tribunal if the EOC can’t solve the problem. The EOC itself can’t award you compensation.<\/span><\/p>\n Other things you can request include an apology from your employer or others involved, a reference from your employer, or agreements that say nobody can speak badly about you, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n If you have been subject to sexual harassment, you may have also been discriminated against. For more information on discrimination complaints, see our Q&A: Workplace discrimination for WA workers<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n For more information:<\/span><\/p>\n You can make a complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) in writing, online, or over the telephone.<\/span><\/p>\n You generally have two years from the date of the sexual harassment to make a complaint to the AHRC if the harassment occurred on or after 11 September 2021.<\/span><\/p>\n The \u00a0AHRC investigates and attempts to resolve complaints that are made to the AHRC. The AHRC can assist you to come to a resolution with your employer and may schedule a conciliation<\/a><\/span> to help facilitate this resolution. The conciliation process helps both parties come to a settlement through negotiation. You can ask for compensation, noting there is no cap for compensation for an AHRC claim.<\/span><\/p>\n In addition to handling sexual harassment complaints, the AHRC handles complaints for harassment on the ground of sex<\/a><\/span>. This is where someone is harassed because of their sex, but the harassment does not include conduct of a sexual nature. For example, if someone verbally abuses you in the workplace because of your sex, you may be able to make this complaint. <\/span><\/p>\n The AHRC also deals with complaints about conduct that creates a hostile work environment on the ground of sex. These are everyday sexist acts that contribute to a culture where people feel degraded or humiliated.<\/span><\/p>\n For more information:<\/span><\/p>\n
\u2022 Attend your local police station<\/span><\/a><\/span>
\u2022 Ring Police Assistance Line on 131 444 (available 24\/7) to report a crime over the phone and the information provided will be immediately available to your local police.<\/span>
\u2022 Report online (anonymously if you wish) through the Safe2Say portal<\/span><\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n
\u2022 pain and suffering;<\/span>
\u2022 loss of enjoyment of life;<\/span>
\u2022 loss of income;<\/span>
\u2022 medical and \/ or psychological expenses; and<\/span>
\u2022 some other expenses.<\/span><\/p>\n
\u2022 Legal Aid\u2019s Find Legal Answers guide on criminal injuries compensation<\/a><\/span><\/span>
\u2022 Women\u2019s Legal Services WA\u2019s guide on applying for criminal injuries compensation<\/a><\/span><\/span>
\u2022 Office of Criminal Injuries Compensation.<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nMake a report to WorkSafe<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n
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Report a breach of your employer\u2019s obligation to prevent sexual harassment<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n
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Apply to the WA Industrial Relations Commission for stop sexual harassment orders<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n
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Apply to the Fair Work Commission for stop sexual harassment orders<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n
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Make a complaint to the Equal Opportunity Commission (WA)<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n
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Make a complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n