Sexual Harassment at Work? Over Half of Aussie Women Say That’s the Reality
Picture this: you walk into your office, and the only thing that should make you uneasy is a Monday morning email. But for two in three Australian women, the reality is far from that – the workplace can feel like a minefield of unwanted attention and creeps. A fresh survey from the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) roils the quiet in a big way.
Numbers That Don’t Lie
- 64 % of women – yes, that’s almost every second woman – reported having experienced sexual harassment at their current or past jobs.
- 35 % of men also share the same story, proving it isn’t just a one‑gender problem.
- Only about a quarter of these victims actually lodged formal complaints, citing fear of retaliation as the main cause.
Why the Silence? The Fear Factor
“Everyone should go to work free from the fear of harassment and unwanted sexual attention,” says ACTU president Michele O’Neil. “For many honest Australians, especially women, this is not the reality. Our workplace laws have simply failed to protect those who bravely face harassment every day.”
Campaigners argue that such harassment sediments a hostile environment, making it hard for women to climb the career ladder. “Sexual harassment in the workplace kills opportunities for women and fuels attitudes that tighten the grip on violence,” notes Merrindahl Andrew from the Australian Women Against Violence Alliance.
Australia’s Gender Landscape
Worse, Australia ranks 35th out of 144 in the World Economic Forum’s 2017 Gender Gap Index, improved from 46th in 2016 thanks to more women in boards and parliament. Still, this lift doesn’t cover the hidden cost of harassment.
What’s Bringing the Heat?
The global #MeToo movement has indeed opened discussions, but Plan International points out that weak enforcement and policy gaps keep many down‑kissed victims in silence. “The survey finding is disturbing, yet not surprising to us,” says Susanne Legena, the chief executive for Plan International Australia. She calls for government action: a dedicated hotline and new training for police to tackle under‑reporting.”
What’s Next? How to Truly Stop the Harassment
- Create a transparent, anonymous reporting channel—think of it like a digital safety net where nobody might feel targeted for speaking up.
- Lay down clear, enforced consequences for harassers—so that they face real, not just rhetorical, repercussions.
- Offer regular, practical training for managers, HR, and frontline staff to spot and stop harassment before it escalates.
- Foster a culture of respect and trust—in which no one talks about “the office drama” as a perky scenario; change the narrative.
Closing Thoughts
If workplaces are still riddled with barbs, they’re literally cutting off career paths. It’s time for Aussie employers and governments to put the screws back in—so that every employee, regardless of gender, can walk into work without a hangover of dread or a lingering “something feels off.”
