The Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) defines sexual harassment as:

• an unwelcome sexual advance
• an unwanted request for sexual favours, and
• any other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature in circumstances which could make a reasonable person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated.

The same definition of sexual harassment is used in the Conduct Rules for solicitors and barristers.

Sexual harassment can be physical, verbal or written. It is against the law in many areas of public life, including the workplace.

The question of whether behaviour is unwelcome is subjective. It will depend on the perception and experience of the person alleging sexual harassment, not the intention behind it.

Whether conduct is of a sexual nature depends on the circumstances and the relevant context. The Australian Human Rights Commission has noted that conduct which in isolation may not appear to be sexual in nature may become so, because of the surrounding circumstances.

Finally, whether behaviour is offensive, humiliating or intimidating is an objective test. That is, the relevant question is whether a reasonable person would have anticipated that the person who was harassed would be offended, humiliated or intimidated.

Sexual harassment can occur:

• at work
• at work-related events (or where people are carrying out work-related functions)
• between people sharing the same workplace

The workplace is not confined to the actual physical location of the workplace used by the employees.

A broad range of behaviours can constitute sexual harassment including: sexually suggestive comments or jokes; offensive materials (e.g. calendars, posters or screensavers) displayed in the workplace; requests for dates or sex; questions about someone’s sex or private life; sexually explicit texts or emails; contact on social media; unwanted physical contact; and assault.

The Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) has useful information on their website regarding what does and does not constitute sexual harassment: VEOHRC > Sexual Harassment FAQ

Rule 42 of the Legal Profession Uniform Law Australian Solicitors’ Conduct Rules 2015 provides that, in the course of practice, solicitors must not engage in conduct that constitutes sexual harassment. Rule 123 of the Legal Profession Uniform Conduct (Barristers) Rules 2015 replicates this rule for barristers.

Section 298 of the Legal Profession Uniform Law (Victoria) makes it clear that conduct contravening the Uniform Rules for solicitors and barristers is, without limitation, conduct that is capable of constituting either unsatisfactory professional conduct or professional misconduct.

We have dealt with lawyers for sexual harassment and they have had their practising certificates cancelled as penalty for their conduct.

If you have been sexually harassed, there are a number of options open to you.

You may choose to talk to a trusted colleague or human resources manager in your workplace. Alternatively, VEOHRC can help with advice, as well as free impartial conciliation services. You can contact VEOHRC on 1300 292 153.

If you have been sexually harassed by a lawyer, contact the VLSBC on (03) 9679 8001 and ask to speak to a Sexual Harassment Complaints Team member, or email harassmentcomplaints@lsbc.vic.gov.au. You can also make a report through our online reporting tool, Elker, through our Making a complaint to VLSB+C about sexual harassment page.

You can also contact the VLSBC if you believe a Victorian legal practice has failed to take reasonable steps to ensure their lawyers engage in professional conduct.

If you believe your workplace has systemic failings in creating and maintaining a safe and healthy workplace (including in relation to sexual harassment), you can seek further information or potentially refer the matter to Worksafe Victoria by calling 1800 136 089.

If you are in danger or want to report a crime, you should contact Victoria Police on 000.

To make an anonymous, online report about either sexual harassment or assault you can do so via SARA (Sexual Assault Report Anonymously), by clicking here.

If you require urgent medical or psychological assistance, you should contact your local doctor or the emergency department of your local hospital.

The following support services are also available to you:

Sexual assault crisis services

The Sexual Assault Crisis Line (Victoria) on 1800 806 292 (between 5pm weeknights through to 9am the next day, and throughout weekends and public holidays).

1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 (24 hours, 7 days a week). Alternatively, for 1800RESPECT’s 24-hour online chat service click here.

General helplines

Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24 hours, 7 days a week). Alternatively, for Lifeline’s daily 7pm – midnight (AEST) online chat service, click here.

Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 (24 hours, 7 days a week). Alternatively, for Beyond Blue’s daily 3pm to midnight (AEST) online chat service, click here.

Victorian legal professional associations’ member services

Law Institute of Victoria Employee Assistance Program, on 1300 687 327.

Victorian Bar health crisis help service, on 9650 5540 (24 hours, 7 days a week).

The Equal Opportunity Act 2010 and the Fair Work Act 2009 specifically require organisations to take proactive steps to eliminate sexual harassment in the workplace.

Employers have a duty not to sexually harass their employees or other persons for whom they are responsible, for example contractors, job applicants, volunteers and unpaid workers.

An employer can also be held responsible for the actions of an employee, or any other person for whom the employer is responsible (such as a contractor) who has committed the sexual harassment, if the employer has not taken reasonable precautions to eliminate sexual harassment in the workplace.

An employer’s responsibility extends beyond the normal workplace and outside normal working hours, for example, sexual harassment occurring at a social function paid for by the employer. VEOHRC has useful information on their website regarding employers’ obligations. See VEOHRC > Employer responsibilities