Where to seek help to address workplace sexual harassment

There are a range of government agencies that can take action to address workplace sexual harassment, including by assisting you to make a complaint.

Professional woman on the phone

If you are sexually harassed at work there are a number of things that you can do, on your own, or with help from others.

For example, you can ask for help from your co-workers or manager or make an internal complaint or report to management or human resources.

You also have the option of seeking help from a government agency. Select your state or territory from the menu to find information about the government agencies that can take action to address workplace sexual harassment. Actions that you can take with the support of these agencies include:

  • Making a sexual harassment complaint with an anti-discrimination or human rights body.
  • Applying for a stop sexual harassment order (or a stop bullying and sexual harassment order), general protections, unlawful termination or unfair dismissal with the Fair Work Commission.
  • Making an application with a state industrial relations body if you have been unfairly dismissed because of the workplace sexual harassment or, in Western Australia specifically, apply for an order to stop bullying or sexual harassment.
  • Making a workers’ compensation claim with your employer or through a workers’ compensation organisation if the workplace sexual harassment has caused you physical or mental injury or illness.
  • Reporting the workplace sexual harassment as a work health and safety (WHS) issue to a WHS regulator.

There are also organisations that can provide other kinds of support, such as free:

If at any time you feel unsafe, you can phone the police on 000. If you feel upset or distressed, you can phone:

  • 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) for 24-hour support for people impacted by sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse
  • Lifeline (13 11 14) for crisis support

Respect@Work acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website may contain images and voices of people who have died.

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