Sexual harassment claims
Sexual harassment is any unwanted or unwelcome sexual behaviour that makes a person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated.
Sexual harassment may include physical or verbal acts such as inappropriate advances, intrusive questions, inappropriate comments, staring, touching, sexually explicit messages, requests for sex or unwanted date requests, physical assault, indecent exposure and stalking.
Many sexual harassment cases occur in the workplace however, sexual harassment can happen in public and private settings including school, university, sports teams, online or over the phone.
If you experienced sexual harassment outside of the workplace our mental, physical and sexual abuse team are here to help.
Your entitlements
Your compensation is related to your situation and the evidence available.
A successful claim will often involve compensation for:
Economic loss suffered at work, and
non-economic loss for pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the sexual harassment.
How long will it take?
The timing of your case depends on your situation and the type of case process that is right for you.
We recognise the importance of ensuring all litigation is run in a respectful and empathetic manner.
Additional employment claim types
Our team of workplace sexual assault lawyers will help you understand all the options available to you in more detail. Depending on the circumstances of your issue, you may also be eligible for:
You may be entitled to claim compensation. Start the process with our simple and free online tool.
What we will ask:
Details about your employment issue and how you may be impacted
Basic personal information that is relevant and necessary for your case
What happens next:
We'll connect you with a compensation law expert right away if you're eligible or,
Speak with our team about your options
Sexual harassment case process
We listen and assess your case confidentially
During an obligation-free initial consultation we’ll take the time to listen and understand your individual needs. We will fully explain the legal process to you so that you understand your rights and feel in control.
We’ll build your case and keep you informed
Your go-to legal team will work with you to gather all the evidence needed to support your claim. All evidence will be considered so we can assess your options and provide guidance tailored to your specific situation.
We’ll negotiate to settle your case early
This may be through civil litigation or directly approaching the institution concerned to engage in informal negotiations outside of the court process.
We know that you’ve been through enough. Wherever possible we will endeavour to find alternatives to the stress and expense of traditional litigation and will explore with institutions methods of resolving your case that are more sensitive to your needs.
If required, go to court
Only a small percentage of cases result in a court hearing. If this happens, we will be by your side; providing support, compassion and skilled legal representation every step of the way.
We will also seek to minimise the stress and inconvenience of the process wherever possible.
Resolve your case
We will fight to deliver the outcomes you deserve.
Seeking support and advice if you’re experiencing sexual harassment
The Australian Human Rights Commission website has a lot of material on sexual harassment and what you can do, along with a helpline for situations that may have become abusive and violent.
Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence National Help Line: 1800 Respect (1800 737 732)
Information on sexual harassment and making a sexual harassment complaint: https://humanrights.gov.au/complaints/complaint-guides/information-people-making-complaints/complaints-under-sex-discrimination-act
www.humanrights.gov.au/workplace-bullying-violence-harassment-and-bullying-fact-sheet
If you are a survivor of childhood abuse or trauma the Blue Knot Foundation provides support on 1300 657 380.
We're here to help
FAQs
How to report sexual harassment?
If you have been sexually harassed, you can make a complaint via email or telephone to the Australian Human Rights Commission (Commonwealth) or the Human Rights / Equal Opportunities Commission in your state or territory. This is free and easy to do.
Workplace sexual harassment may also be classed as workplace bullying and may be dealt with by the workplace safety authority in your state or territory.
To contact the Australian Human Rights Commission’s National Information Service; Call – Infoline (local call): 1300 656 419 or TTY (Toll-free): 1800 620 241 If you need an interpreter, you can call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450 and ask to be connected to the Australian Human Rights Commission. If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment you can contact the National Relay Service (NRS) at 133 677 (TTY/Voice) or 1300 555 727 (Speak & Listen)
Go online - Website: www.humanrights.gov.au
Make a complaint: www.humanrights.gov.au/complaints/lodge-complaint
The Sexual Assault Support Service website also lists out services in your state which may be able to assist you, www.sass.org.au/directory/
Can I represent myself, or do I need a sexual harassment lawyer?
It is possible to legally represent yourself when making a claim however, doing so successfully will likely require a thorough understanding of the law, your legal rights and entitlements, and a commitment to actively pursue the case to move it forward.
Most people choose not to act for themselves and instead engage an expert employment lawyer who can provide the knowledge and experience required to help guide a case to a successful outcome.
Why trust Shine to be my sexual harassment lawyers?
We have helped thousands of Australians right wrong and access more than $1 billion per year in entitlements and compensation through our expert services.
95% of the cases we represent are settled without the stress of going to court.
We offer access to affordable legal advice including on a No Win, No Fee* basis and an obligation-free initial consultation so you can understand your rights and know where you stand.
*Conditions apply
Where are the sexual harassment lawyers from Shine located?
With more than 40 branches across Australia and 1000+ team members, location is no barrier when it comes to accessing Shine Lawyers legal advice and support.
If you’d like to speak to our legal team in person, you can see our full list of locations here.
If you aren't able to find a location near you, we can easily arrange an obligation-free virtual appointment or discuss the option to meet at a location that’s comfortable and convenient for you. No matter where you are located, we will always provide the same, expert advice and manage your claim with the same level of quality and commitment.
