Best Sexual Harassment Lawyers in Sydney

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Holding Redlic

Holding Redlic

Sydney, Australia

Founded in 1962
500 people in their team
At Holding Redlich, great law is our starting point. Across our offices in Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns we provide a...
English
Harrick Lawyers Pty Ltd

Harrick Lawyers Pty Ltd

Sydney, Australia

Founded in 2018
50 people in their team
OverviewFCW Lawyers is a national commercial and workplace law firm, dedicated to advancing the lives and futures of our clients, staff, and the...
English
Maurice Blackburn Lawyers

Maurice Blackburn Lawyers

Sydney, Australia

Founded in 1919
5,000 people in their team
About usMaurice Blackburn Lawyers is Australia’s leading plaintiff and social justice law firm. We have built a reputation on the unwavering belief...
English
Stacks Collins Thompson

Stacks Collins Thompson

Sydney, Australia

Founded in 1931
500 people in their team
About usStacks Law Firm is a dynamic group of law firms which together offer a wide range of legal services throughout NSW, QLD and ACT. Each firm is...
English
Executive Rights

Executive Rights

Sydney, Australia

Founded in 2001
10 people in their team
Firm ProfileExecutive Rights Employment Lawyers was established in 2001 by Bruce Planck, solicitor, to meet the particular needs of Australian...
English
Squire Sanders

Squire Sanders

Sydney, Australia

Founded in 1886
5,000 people in their team
About usSquire Patton Boggs is a full service global law firm providing insight at the point where law, business and government meet, giving you a...
English
Goldrick Farrell Mullan with Humphreys & Feather

Goldrick Farrell Mullan with Humphreys & Feather

Sydney, Australia

Founded in 1988
16 people in their team
Our reputation is based upon our results .... ​Welcome to Goldrick Farrell Mullan Lawyers            ...
English

About Sexual Harassment Law in Sydney, Australia

Sydney, and Australia as a whole, has stringent laws regarding sexual harassment. This inappropriate behaviour is defined as any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, which can create a hostile or intimidating environment. Indeed, one doesn't have to be directly involved to be impacted by sexual harassment; witnessing sexual harassment can cause distress and constitute as harassment as well. It can take place in various contexts including places of employment, educational institutions, provision of services and even in public spaces. Each state, including New South Wales (home to Sydney), has local legislation in place to address and deter such actions.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Individuals may require legal help in situations of sexual harassment for various reasons. If you are a victim of sexual harassment, you may need a lawyer to help you understand your rights, guide you through legal procedures, and represent you in formal complaints processes or litigation. For those accused of such behaviour, consulting a lawyer is all the more crucial to defend your rights correctly in court, and understand the allegations and regulations. Additionally, business owners can benefit from legal advice to ensure their workplace policies meet legal standards and deal efficiently with complaints of harassment.

Local Laws Overview

The Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) holds relevant offences for sexual harassment in the context of employment and other specific areas in New South Wales. No-one should be subject to harassment on any grounds, and appropriate measures should be taken from employers to avoid such situations. If they fail to take these measures, they can potentially be held liable. At a federal level, the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 also prohibits sexual harassment. An individual who feels harassed can file a complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission to seek redress.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What can be classified as sexual harassment?

Unwanted or uncalled for sexual behaviours such as inappropriate touching, remarks or requests for sexual favours, displaying offensive materials are considered sexual harassment. It can also include conducts which creates a sexually hostile environment.

2. What should I do if I experience sexual harassment?

If you're comfortable doing so, express your discomfort to the person responsible. Document the incident along with any evidence that may support your experience. Consult a lawyer or support service to further guide you through your options.

3. How can I lodge a complaint?

You can lodge a complaint directly to the Australian Human Rights Commission. You may also have internal avenues for complaint depending on your workplace or institution policy.

4. Can an employer be held responsible for sexual harassment?

If an employer fails to implement reasonable safeguards against sexual harassment in the workplace, they may potentially be held responsible, especially if they were aware and took no appropriate action.

5. Do I need to involve a lawyer?

While it's not mandatory to involve a lawyer, it's often beneficial. A lawyer can assist in understanding your legal rights, provide crucial advice and represent you in court if necessary. Handling such sensitive matters by yourself can be stressful and potentially harm your case outcomes without correct legal guidance.

Additional Resources

In addition to legal help, supporting bodies such as the Australian Human Rights Commission, the NSW Anti-Discrimination Board, and support services like 1800 RESPECT (the national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling service) can provide valuable insights and help.

Next Steps

If you need assistance in cases of sexual harassment, the first step is to reach out to a legal professional or a support service. Collect and document all relevant information regarding the incident(s), as they will serve as crucial evidence in your case. Understanding your rights and taking appropriate action is imperative in addressing sexual harassment.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While we strive to present accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currentness of the content. Laws and regulations can change frequently, and interpretations of the law can vary. Therefore, you should consult with qualified legal professionals for specific advice tailored to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions you take or fail to take based on any content on this page. If you find any information to be incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will make efforts to rectify it.