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Sexual harassment, in Perth as well as the rest of Australia, is a serious offence which is regulated by both Federal and State laws. The Australian jurisdiction understands sexual harassment as any unwanted or unsolicited sexual conduct which makes a person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated. This can include a vast range of behaviors from lewd comments and inappropriate jokes to physical assault and coercive activities.
If you have been a victim of sexual harassment, you may want to hire a lawyer to assist in your pursuit of justice. A lawyer can help you fully understand your rights, and guide you through the extensive and oftentimes complex legal process. They will help you gather necessary evidence, represent you if the case goes to court, and fight for your legitimate rights for compensation or for the perpetrator to be reprimanded.
The primary law dealing with sexual harassment in Perth, and throughout Australia, is the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth). Under this Act, it is illegal for someone to sexually harass another person in various areas of public life, including in the workplace, educational institutions, and the delivery of goods and services. Western Australia also has its own law, the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA), which forbids sexual harassment in similar circumstances.
Sexual harassment can involve a wide range of behaviours that are of sexual nature, which may make a person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated. This can include unwelcome touching, staring or leering, suggestive comments or jokes, displaying offensive materials or making innuendos, or requesting sexual favours.
For a complaint to be handled by the Australian Human Rights Commission, it must generally be lodged within 6 months of the alleged sexual harassment incident.
The individual who has performed the harassing behaviour can be held responsible for their actions, as well as any authority figures, such as employers or institution heads, who have enabled the harassment or failed to take appropriate preventative measures.
While direct evidence is beneficial in a sexual harassment case, it's not always necessary. The court can consider circumstantial evidence, witness testimonies, and patterns of behaviour to determine whether sexual harassment occurred.
Yes. Both men and women can be victims of sexual harassment. It does not matter what gender the harasser or the victim is, sexual harassment is strictly prohibited under Australian law.
Organisations like the Australian Human Rights Commission and the Western Australian Equal Opportunity Commission provide guidance and resources for victims of sexual harassment. There are also numerous support services available, such as the National Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Line (1800RESPECT), which offers confidential online and telephone counselling.
If you think you have been a victim of sexual harassment, reach out to a lawyer who specializes in this field as soon as possible. Gather any proof or evidence that will support your claim and try to keep a record of the events. Don't be afraid to reach out to supportive services or confide in someone you trust. Remember, you are not alone and there are people ready and willing to assist you through this process.
