Sexual Harassment Training Beliefs

Sexual Harassment Training Beliefs –  Over the past couple of years I have had discussions with HR professionals, managers & employers about workplace sexual harassment & training, during which a number of beliefs emerged.

Belief: We have a wonderful culture here I don’t think we have an issue with workplace sexual harassment and I don’t think we need sexual harassment training.

My response: That’s great but what about the next person through the door, what about the next new employee. What about changes to the Sex Discrimination Act.  What about the Positive Duty on employers under the Act, do all your employees understand.

Belief: Surely not engaging in sexual harassment in the workplace is common sense.

My response: If only that were so however the Respect@work report 2020 detailed the findings of the 2018 workplace sexual harassmnet National Inquiry conducted by the Australian Human Rights Commission found that in 2018 39% of women and 26% of men had experienced workplace sexual harassment in the last five years with the 2022 survey revealing that 41% of women and 26% of men had experienced sexual harassment in the workplace in the last five years.

Belief: Sexual harassment training is expensive I don’t think we can afford it.

My response: I think you will find it is less expensive than having a compensation judgement against so organisation, can you afford not to have training consider these two cases,

Hill v Hughes [2019] FCCA 1267 – Compensation awarded $170,000.00 (appealed, appeal dismissed)

Taylor v August and Pemberton Pty Ltd [2023] FCA 1313 – Compensation awarded $268,000.00

Belief: As a business or employer sexual harassment is a matter between the two parties, it’s not a workplace issue.

My response: It is a workplace issue. If sexual harassment occurs in the workplace an employer can be held liable for a breach of their duty of care and as a result may be liable for compensation if the victim suffers a damage.

In addition the Positive Duty requires all employers and therefore as an extension managers to take all reasonable and proportionate measures to eliminate as far as possible sex discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace.

Belief: If someone reports workplace sexual harassment to me I’m not sure that there’s anything I can do.

Response: When a person makes a report of sexual harassment;

• Listen
• Reassure the reporter that they have done the right thing by reporting
• Do not make judgements
• Do not impose your own values or opinions
• Record the information in as much detail as possible
• Seek assistance

Belief: If I wanted to organise sexual harassment training I wouldn’t know where to start, and how will I know but the training would be any good?

My response: That’s easy to answer, check out this link, I can help you – https://awpti.com.au/sexual-harassment-training-provider/

In regard to whether the training is any good check out my testimonials page – https://awpti.com.au/awpti-testimonials/

Workplace sexual harassment training is really not a nice to have it is essential to have, if I can be of any assistance please do not hesitate to contact me and remember you want me to training before you need me for an investigation.

Some more cases that might interest you

Mathews v Winslow Constructors (Vic) Pty Ltd [2015] VSC a breach of duty of care in a sexual harassment employee awarded an over $1.3 million in damages

Collins v Smith (Human Rights)[2015] VCAT employee awarded more than $330,000 as compensation

Tan v Xenos (No 3) [2008] VCAT 584 – employee was awarded general damages of $100,000.

Poniatowska v Hickinbotham [2009] FCA 680, employee awarded $90,000 general damages in a total award of $466,000

Training can be provided for organisations in person or remotely via Zoom or Teams. We charge a flat rate with unlimited attendees. The program options are part of the live by request series which means they can be conducted at a time/date to suit your needs dependent on availability.

We also have a recorded option that can be purchased.

Please contact me via our contact page or email and I will provide you with an overview of the course options including the contents, costs and inclusions – [email protected]