Sexual harassment is unlawful and prohibited. In the workplace, sexual harassment can take various forms and can be directed at all persons.
Sexual harassment includes non-consensual or unwelcome sexual behaviour that could be expected to make a person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated.
Building on the Victorian Secretaries Board statement on sexual harassment, the Victorian Public Sector Commission (VPSC) has issued the Model Policy for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace (Model Policy). The Model Policy was developed by a Working Group under the auspices of the Integrity and Corporate Reform Subcommittee of the Victorian Secretaries Board.
To support the Model Policy, a Guide for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace (Guide) has also been developed. Together, these documents promote consistent practice across the Victorian Public Service (VPS) and public sector. They will help organisations to ensure that they are working to prevent sexual harassment and support those who are harmed by such behaviour.
The Model Policy and Guide apply to the Victorian Public Service. Victorian public sector entities are encouraged to revise their policy and procedures on sexual harassment, ensuring these are informed by the Model Policy and Guide.
Resources
Sexual Harassment Model Policy
DOCX | 90.11 KB
To promote consistent practice in prevention and response to sexual harassment, a Model Policy for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace has been developed.
This document is in the form of a word template so that public sector organisations can use the Model Policy to develop their own specific policy.
Respectful Workplaces Framework
DOCX | 943.77 KB
Use this framework to support how your department prevents or responds to sexual harassment.
Sexual Harassment Model Action Plan
DOCX | 123.33 KB
Use this document to guide how your department develops a sexual harassment action plan.
Developed by the Sexual Harassment in the VPS Working Group that was set up under the auspices of the Integrity and Corporate Reform Sub-committee (ICRS) of the Victorian Secretaries Board (VSB).
Employees must adhere to the Victorian public sector values. In the context of sexual harassment, demonstrating the following values are particularly relevant.
The Equal Opportunity Act 2010 requires organisations to take proactive steps to eliminate sexual harassment from occurring in the workplace as far as reasonably practicable.
It is important that organisations monitor and evaluate outcomes and strategies to ensure prevention strategies, frameworks and processes are effective.
The information that follows does not impose mandatory procedures for organisations to follow when a report of sexual harassment is made or when an employee’s conduct is called into question.
The information that follows does not impose mandatory procedures for organisations to follow when a report of sexual harassment is made or when an employee’s conduct is called into question.