23/07/2026
SEXUAL HARASSMENT: KNOW WHAT IT IS AND WHERE TO GET HELP
Sexual harassment is not “just a joke,” harmless flirting or something a person should have to tolerate.
It is any unwelcome s*xual advance, request for s*xual favours or other s*xual behaviour that makes someone feel offended, humiliated or intimidated, where a reasonable person would expect that reaction.
It may happen once or repeatedly. It can occur at work, university, during a placement, at a work or university event, through text messages or social media, or outside normal hours when connected with someone’s work or study. (Legal Aid NSW)
Examples may include:
• Unwanted touching, hugging or kissing
• Sexual comments, jokes or suggestive names
• Staring or leering
• Unwanted requests for dates or s*x
• Questions about someone’s body, relationships or private life
• Sending s*xual pictures, videos, emails or messages
• Deliberately brushing against someone
• Creating a s*xualised, hostile or intimidating environment
Sexual harassment is not the fault of the person experiencing it. A person’s clothing, friendliness, cultural background, gender, visa status, age or employment position never gives someone permission to harass them.
Where can someone get help?
You do not need to know the perfect reporting pathway before reaching out. Start by speaking with someone you feel safe with.
If it happened at work
You may speak with:
• A trusted manager or supervisor
• Human Resources
• A health and safety representative
• Your union
• A GP, counsellor or lawyer
• Fair Work or another external complaint service
You can seek advice and support before deciding whether to make a formal complaint. Different reporting pathways may provide different outcomes. (Fair Work Ombudsman)
Fair Work information and reporting options:
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/employment-conditions/workplace-s*xual-harassment/make-a-report-about-workplace-s*xual-harassment
Legal Aid NSW information:
https://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/my-problem-is-about/my-job/s*xual-harassment
If you are a University of Newcastle student
You can speak confidentially with Campus Care, even when you are unsure whether you want to make a formal report.
Campus Care can listen, explain your options, help with safety planning, connect you with counselling and other services, and support you through any reporting process you choose.
You can contact Campus Care even when the incident happened:
• At university
• During placement
• At a workplace
• Online
• At an event or social gathering
• Away from campus
The action the University can take may depend on the circumstances and the person’s connection to the University, but students can still ask Campus Care for support and assistance understanding their options. (The University of Newcastle, Australia)
University of Newcastle Campus Care
Phone: 02 4921 8600
Email: [email protected]
Information and reporting options:
https://www.newcastle.edu.au/current-students/respect-at-uni/reporting
Students can make an identified or anonymous report. Please remember that Campus Care cannot contact or directly support someone through an anonymous report if no contact details are provided.
University after-hours support
Phone: 1300 653 007
Text: 0488 884 165
Campus Security: 02 4921 5888
Local Newcastle support
Newcastle Sexual Assault Service
Phone: 02 4924 6333
NSW Health Sexual Assault Services provide free and confidential specialist counselling, medical care, information and support. (NSW Health)
Confidential national support
1800RESPECT — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Call: 1800 737 732
Text: 0458 737 732
Online chat or video support:
https://www.1800respect.org.au/
1800RESPECT can provide confidential counselling, information and referrals to legal, s*xual-assault and other specialist services. (1800RESPECT)
In an emergency
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero — 000.
For non-urgent police assistance, call 131 444.
Some forms of s*xual harassment may also involve s*xual assault, stalking, threats, physical assault or another criminal offence.
When safe, consider keeping a record
Write down the date, time, location, what happened and the names of anyone who witnessed it. Keep relevant emails, messages, screenshots and other communications somewhere secure.
However, not having evidence does not mean you cannot ask for help or report what happened.
You do not have to manage this alone.
Sometimes the first step is simply saying:
“Something happened. I am not sure what to do, but I need someone to help me understand my options.”
This post provides general information and is not a substitute for individual legal advice.
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Find out the different ways someone can make a report about workplace s*xual harassment.
