Sexual harassment in education

Home: Survivors: Sexual Harrassment: Sexual harrassment

It is against the law for:

• teachers or other staff to sexually harass students
• students to sexually harass teachers or other staff
• students to sexually harass other students

in any School, University, College of Advanced Education, TAFE College or other institution where education or training is provided.

"Todd is a university student. Andrea, one of Todd's tutors, asked Todd if he wanted to go out on a date. Todd said no. From that day on, Andrea's behavior towards Todd swayed between rudeness and sleazy familiarity. Todd began to dread any contact with Andrea. He stopped attending Andrea's classes. Andrea began to make abusive telephone calls to Todd at home. Todd complained to the university's equal opportunity unit. His complaint was not taken seriously so he lodged a complaint with the Commission against both Andrea and the university."

Possible outcomes might include an apology from Andrea and the university, Todd's transferal to another tutorial and an undertaking by Andrea to stay away from Todd. The university might also undertake to reassess its sexual harassment policies and procedures.

"Cynthia and Ben are year 11 students at a local high school. Ben is very hostile towards Cynthia. Ben constantly insults Cynthia in front of her classmates. He refers to her as a "slut" and a "dog" and gropes her breasts and bottom. Highly distressed, Cynthia's school attendance falls and her academic performance suffers."

Cynthia's parents report the problem to the school. Ben is immediately moved to another class, told not to approach Cynthia and warned that he will be expelled if his behavior continues. If the matter had not been successfully resolved, Cynthia could also have chosen to lodge a complaint with the Commission.

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Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission

Disclaimer Copyright Updated: 12 Aug 2009