What can you do if you feel you have been harassed?
- Prompt and direct actions are usually the most effective ways to stop the offending behaviour. Where appropriate, you may first try to resolve the grievance directly with the person/s involved by making it clear you object to the behaviour and you wish it to stop. A Contact Officer can assist you to work out an appropriate response.
- Discuss the matter with a senior member in your area e.g. a Head of School, Department Manager or supervisor
- Lodge a written complaint to initiate a conciliation or investigation. The aim of conciliation is to stop the offensive behaviour. The conciliator acts as a neutral go between in a process aimed at changing offending behaviour, not apportioning blame.
- Take your complaint to the University Ombudsman
- Take your complaint to an external agency such as the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission or the Australian Human Rights Commission.
- Criminal offences such as sexual assault, rape, and stalking are best be handled by reporting them to the police.
Harassment and discrimination contact officers
There is a network of trained sexual harassment, harassment and discrimination contact officers at each campus. They are able to confidentially discuss the issues of your particular case and provide information on policy and procedure, possible strategies to resolve the issues, advise you of your rights under the relevant legislation and refer you to other people who may be able to assist.
How do I find an harassment and discrimination contact officer for assistance?
You will find a complete list of all contact officers at harassment and discrimination contact officers .
Confidentiality: Harassment and discrimination contact officers are bound by confidentiality not to discuss the matter with anyone else unless you give permission. It is also wise for you to discuss these matters only with those who need to know. A trusted colleague or close friend can be of assistance and you can ask them to keep your concerns confidential. This can prevent accusations of defamation or slander from another person.