Groups » LY Lawyers Group

Reducing Sexual Harassment in Australia - best strategies

• Lucy Taylor
  Jan 12 2017, 08:21 AM
  Sexual harassment is on the rise, and it looks set to stay that way. 1 in 5 women in Australia are victims of sexual assault at some point in their lives, and harassment is part of that crime. How can we stop it from happening, or at least reduce it? Let’s look at the reason for the recent increase in sexual harassment crimes, and take a look at how we can minimize it in future.
  
  
  
  Rising Reports
  According to data put together by LY Lawyers, only about 17% of sexual assaults are reported to the police. Sexual harassment can be considered to be around the same level of reporting, as it carries a similar stigma and often the two exist side by side.
  
  The rise in reports may be down to a larger percentage of women reporting things when they do happen, which is definitely a good thing. However, the majority of offences are still never reported. There are various reasons for this. Many women do not want to talk about what has happened to them, and when they do, they might be worried that the penalties will not not be harsh enough to make it worthwhile. Some women may experience harassment at the hands of a partner, co-worker, or boss, which makes it an extremely delicate and awkward situation. Those women may want the harassment to stop without wanting to ruin the relationship they have with the offender.
  
  
  Making it Stop
  The only way to reduce the level of sexual harassment is by making sure that those who commit it are punished in the correct ways. This means encouraging women to report harassment, as well as ensuring that those in a position of authority take it seriously.
  
  If you are a business owner, you can help to cut down sexual harassment in the workplace by having a clear policy on what will happen to those who offend. You can also make it as clear as possible to anyone in your workplace that your door is open for them to make reports, and that they will be protected if they do so. When it is reported, you absolutely must take it seriously and take action. If you are seen to laugh off a report or let the offender off lightly, the next person might not be so keen to report it.
  
  Those with positions of authority in the police force should also take allegations as seriously as possible, and follow through on them to the full extent of the law.
  
  
  Reducing the Risk
  Women can also try to reduce the risk to themselves. The first step is to be firm and clear. If someone does or says something that makes you feel uncomfortable, it is important that you say so. Some people are a little old-fashioned and may not yet realise that they are doing something wrong. However, once they have been told, there is no excuse for them to continue, and this is when you should be sure to make a complaint.
  
  
  Don’t let a situation go on for a long time. It is uncomfortable for you and the perpetrators will feel that they are not doing anything wrong because there have been no complaints. The longer you leave it, the worse things are likely to get. Have the courage to report someone who you feel is sexually harassing you.

  [Edited Jan 12 2017]

  
  

Reply

You have to be a member of "LY Lawyers Group" in order to reply.

Join