Figures that show one-third of Australians have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace in the past five years would be comparable to experiences in the Bendigo area, the head of an anti-sexual violence organisation says.
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Australia's Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins released a report on an inquiry into sexual harassment in workplaces this week.
The report found 39 per cent of women and 26 per cent of men had experienced sexual harassment in the workplace in the last five years.
Most were harassed by a single person, and 79 per cent said one or more of their harassers were male.
With most victims women, Centre Against Sexual Assault Central Victoria chief executive Kate Wright said a main driver of such harassment was gender inequity and the belief that women were not "entitled to the same opportunities, privileges, that men are, which are pervasive across society".
But it also resulted from people exerting their power over someone, she said, and harassers feeling they would face no consequences.
The new report said the most commonly reported forms of harassment were sexually suggestive comments or jokes, and intrusive questions about their private life or physical appearance.
Many people said their harassers claimed to be surprised when their "jokes" were met with offence.
Ms Wright believes harassers who express surprise that their "jokes" are not found funny are using that as an excuse for their behaviour.
"I think we've moved on enough now to know what is appropriate workplace behaviour," she said.
One of the positive elements of the report, she said, was the assertion that "the onus shouldn't be on employees to maintain their own safety".
Ms Wright said it should be the responsibility of employers to ensure their workplaces were free from sexual harassment.
"Just like with workplace safety, we have to have a zero tolerance for sexual harassment," she said.
Ms Wright said this meant training for employees and ensuring they knew such behaviour would not be tolerated, as well as policies and procedures.
She advised any employer unsure of their responsibilities to contact Respect Victoria, WorkSafe, or their industry's peak body.
The report delivered this week, ahead of International Women's Day, outlines 55 recommendations to address workplace sexual harassment, covering such areas as government responses, primary prevention, education and the legal framework, among others.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
