Workplace sexual harassment guidance

A result of the Speaking from Experience project, these guidelines are grounded in the lived experience of diverse workers who told us what works, what doesn't work, and what needs to change when it comes to workplace sexual harassment in Australia.

They include:

• Guides on how to access the right kind of support for people who have been (or know someone who has been) sexually harassed at work
• Fact sheets on what workplace sexual harassment may look and feel like
• Practical guidance for employers and leaders on safely addressing workplace sexual
  harassment

We encourage you to share these resources widely across your networks, communities and workplaces. They are a call to action to help shift workplace culture in Australia - to one where respect is non‑negotiable, support is genuine, and speaking up is safe.

Guidance and resources

Translated guidance and resources

Positive duty under the Sex Discrimination Act

Australian businesses and organisations have an obligation to take reasonable steps to stop workplace sexual harassment and other harmful behaviours before they occur. This is known as a positive duty. If you are concerned your workplace isn't doing this, you can let us know by clicking through to the form below.

Submit a concern to us

Tell us about any concerns you have with an organisation or business not complying with the positive duty.

Submit a concern

If you need immediate help

Emergency Services

If you feel unsafe or are at risk of harm now, phone 000. You can contact police regarding any sexual harassment, sexual assault or bullying.

24-hour crisis support

1800 Respect offers sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling, information and support services. This service is free and confidential. They are available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phone: 1800 737 732
Website: 1800RESPECT

Kids Helpline

Counselling service for those aged between 5 and 25 years old.
Phone: 1800 55 1800
Website: Kids Helpline

The National Relay Service

Callers who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment can contact the National Relay Service (NRS) by calling 1800 555 677 or 1300 555 727 (speak and listen), then asking for the relevant support service.

Translating and Interpreting Service

Callers from a non-English speaking background can use the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) by calling 13 14 50.

Report to the police

If you have experienced any harm, risk of harm or threats to your safety, you can make a complaint or report to the police.

Bravehearts

You can contact Bravehearts for specialised support connected to sexual assault, no matter where you are in Australia. It operates during weekdays, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM AEST.

Phone: 1800 272 831
Website: Bravehearts

13YARN

National crisis support line for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. They offer a confidential 1-on-1 yarning opportunity with a Lifeline trained Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter who can provide crisis support 24/7.
Phone: 139 276
Website: 13YARN

Beyond Blue

Qualified counsellors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone, online chat or email.
Phone: 1300 224 636
Website: Beyond Blue

Full Stop Australia

National trauma counselling and recovery service for people of all ages and genders experiencing sexual, domestic and family violence. This service is free and confidential. Available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phone: 1800 943 539
Website: Full Stop Australia

Headspace

Supports young people aged between 12 and 25 years of age.
Phone: 1800 650 890
Website: Headspace

No to Violence

A national counselling, information and referral service for men who use violence and abuse to change their behaviour. Available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phone: 1300 766 491
Website: No to Violence

MensLine

Offers free confidential counselling and support for men.

Phone: 1300 789 978
Website: MensLine Australia

My Blue Sky

Provides free legal and migration support to people experiencing forced marriage and other forms of modern slavery in Australia.
Phone: 02 9514 8115
Website: My Blue Sky

Suicide Call Back Service

A free nationwide service providing phone and online counselling to people affected by suicide. Available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phone: 1300 659 467
Website: Suicide Call Back Service

QLife

Provides Australia-wide LGBTI peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about a range of issues.
Phone: 1800 184 572
Website: Get Help

Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline

For anyone from the LGBTIQA+ community whose life has been impacted by sexual domestic and/or family violence. This service is free and confidential. Available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phone: 1800 497 212

Your doctor (GP)

Your doctor can refer you to supports and provide you with a mental health treatment plan, which lets you claim up to 10 individual and 10 group sessions on Medicare with a mental health professional each calendar year.
Website: Services Australia - Mental health care and Medicare.

1800ELDERHelp

A free phone line that connects callers seeking information and advice on elder abuse.

Phone: 1800 353 374

Working Women's Centre

Provides information, advocacy and advice to women facing workplace issues, including sexual harassment and discrimination (available in QLD, NT, SA only).

Website: Working Women's Centre

The Australian Unions Support Centre

Provides free and confidential assistance about workplace issues.

Phone: 1300 486 466
Website: Australian Unions

The Fair Work Commission

Can give you information about your workplace rights and issue a stop sexual harassment order.

Phone: 1300 799 675
Website: Fair Work Commission

Workplace and online health and safety authorities

Safe Work Australia

Support and advice on workplace bullying
Website: Safe Work Australia - Bullying

Comcare

The national work health and safety, and workers’ compensation authority.
Phone: 1300 366 979
Website: Comcare - Psychosocial hazards

Fair Work Commission

Information and services that can assist with bullying at work if the incident is not covered by the national anti-bullying laws.
Phone: 1300 799 675
Website: Fair Work Commission - What to do if you’re bullied at work

Fair Work Ombudsman

Information about bullying and harassment in the workplace and where to seek help.
Website: Fair Work Ombudsman - Bullying in the workplace

Office of the eSafety Commissioner

Information on cyberbullying and online abuse.
Website: eSafety Commissioner - Cyberbullying

ReportCyber

Information about cybercrime including online image-based abuse, threats and intimidation.
Phone: 1300 292 371
Website: ReportCyber - Report a cybercrime, incident or vulnerability

Support services by state and territory