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Forms of Harassment
Harassment can take different forms and may occur within workplaces, churches, schools, community groups, sporting clubs and other organisations or institutions. It can affect employees, volunteers, students, participants, parishioners, members or others connected with an organisation.
Harassment may occur in person, online or through other forms of communication. It can include unwelcome behaviour that intimidates, humiliates, threatens or targets someone because of a protected personal characteristic.
Harassment may overlap with bullying or discrimination, but these terms do not always mean the same thing. Whether conduct is unlawful will depend on the behaviour, circumstances and laws that apply.
The information below is informed by guidance from the Australian Human Rights Commission, the Fair Work Ombudsman and the eSafety Commissioner.
Explore the examples below to learn more about how harassment may occur.
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Unwelcome behaviour directed at an individual, including repeated insults, offensive comments, ridicule, threats or verbal abuse.
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Using emails, messages, social media, workplace platforms or other digital technologies to threaten, intimidate, humiliate or repeatedly target someone. Online harassment can occur through workplace systems or personal accounts and devices.
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Unwelcome or offensive behaviour directed at someone because of religious beliefs, practices or affiliation. This may include ridicule, degrading comments, intimidation or exclusion.
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Unfair treatment or offensive behaviour based on a person's sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
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Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature creating a hostile environment.
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Unwelcome or offensive behaviour directed at someone because of race, colour, nationality, ancestry or ethnic origin. This may include degrading comments, ridicule, stereotyping, intimidation or exclusion.
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Unwelcome behaviour intended to frighten, pressure or intimidate someone, including threats, aggressive conduct or misuse of authority or influence..
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Unwelcome or offensive behaviour directed at someone because of disability. This may include degrading comments, ridicule, intimidation, exclusion or behaviour that creates a hostile environment.
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Unwelcome or offensive behaviour directed at someone because of age. This may include degrading comments, ridicule, stereotyping, intimidation or exclusion.
Learn more about
Finding Information and Support
If you experience abuse or harmful behaviour within an organisation or institution, you may be unsure what to do, who to speak with or where to seek support.
Visit our Abuse Information and Support page for practical information to help you consider your options, raise a concern and find appropriate support, including if you feel uncertain about reporting what happened.
Support through Kooyoora
Kooyoora manages complaints and conducts independent and impartial investigations into professional misconduct, abuse, harassment, bullying and other concerns.
If you work, volunteer or participate in an organisation that uses Kooyoora's services, you can contact Kooyoora directly. Our team can listen to your concerns, provide information and help you understand the options available to you.
If you are an organisational leader dealing with concerning behaviour, Kooyoora can provide advice and services to help you manage the matter and determine appropriate next steps.
Kooyoora also provides brief to medium-term counselling services to anyone over the age of 18 and supports eligible individuals participating in redress schemes.