Sexual Harassment Cultural Change Framework

There is no place for sexual harassment in any profession, any workplace. Sexual harassment is both unlawful and entirely unacceptable.

– 2020 June 25 The Law Society of Western Australia Statement to the WA Legal Profession on Sexual Harassment.

The Australian Human Rights Commission defines sexual harassment as:

An unwelcome sexual advance, unwelcome request for sexual favours or other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature which makes a person feel offended, humiliated and/or intimidated, where a reasonable person would anticipate that reaction in the circumstances.

The Law Society of Western Australia has developed a cultural change framework for the profession, providing tools to help address sexual harassment in the workplace. Called ‘Change the Culture’, this programme offers the profession resources around 4 key pillars

The 4 Key Pillars

The Evidence

Recent research findings set out the facts about sexual harassment and bullying in the legal profession and supports a call for change within the profession.

Behavioural Change

Tailored training for individuals and law firms to undertake as a means of taking action to shift the culture.

Systems
& Procedures

Supporting or underpinning positive work cultures.

Confidential Support

Support mechanisms for individuals impacted by sexual harassment.

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The Evidence

Research nationally and globally has evidenced clear and consistent findings about who is most affected by sexual harassment, who the perpetrators are, reporting rates and effects of workplace culture. Some of the following reports are helpful in addressing sexual harassment as they seek to inform, influence and activate change.

Compelling Research

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Behavioural Change

Taking a strategic approach to addressing sexual harassment requires behavioural intervention, looking at the role of workplace environment, bystanding and company culture. Specific training focusing on workplace sexual harassment is one element of bringing about behavioural change.

Training & Education

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Change the Culture
Law Society of Western Australia

This Interactive Training addresses sexual harassment in the Workplace. Presented at the Law Society or inhouse at your law firm and delivered by trained facilitators.

Email membership@lawsocietywa.asn.au or call 08 9324 8692 for further information on having this training delivered at your firm.

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Towards a Better Legal Profession for Everyone: Addressing Workplace Bullying and Sexual Harassment

International Bar Association and The College of Law

This Six-Part Training is designed to ensure safe, supportive and respectful workplaces for everyone in addressing bullying, sexual harassment, what individuals can do and what workplaces can do.

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Know Where The Line Is

Australian Human Rights Commission, the Australian Council of Trade Unions and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

A national awareness raising strategy and tripartite partnership the Know Where The Line Is site offers valuable information and resources for employees and employers and is a unique resource as part of broader efforts to prevent and reduce the harm of sexual harassment in Australian workplaces.

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Systems & Procedures

Sexual harassment is a systemic organisational issue rather than an individual grievance. Putting in place systems, policies and procedures that are clearly documented and communicated are important elements of maintaining a positive workplace culture.

Examples can include such things as sexual harassment policy and procedures, induction procedures; communication and promotion of workplace procedures; training for addressing workplace sexual harassment; reporting and complaints handling procedures; and implementation and monitoring guidelines.

Useful Reference Tools for the Legal Profession

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Law Council of Australia:

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West Australian Bar Association:

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The Western Australian Equal Opportunity Commission:

  • Information about how to make a complaint about sexual harassment in Western Australia.

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The Australian Human Rights Commission:

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Law Institute of Victoria

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Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner

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The Victorian Bar Association

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The Law Society of New South Wales

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Queensland Law Society

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Confidential Support

The Law Society and other organisations can provide confidential support for personal and work related issues.

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Law Society LawCare support

LawCare is a comprehensive support package which includes:

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Law Society Mentoring Programmes

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West Australian Bar Association:

  • Practitioner Advice Referral Service provided by WA Bar Association: Members can connect with experienced practitioners for advice on ethical issues or complaints: 08 9220 0477

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Useful Links

Lifeline Australia: Lifeline provides all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services – Read more

Beyond Blue: Beyond Blue works to reduce the impact of depression and anxiety in the community by raising awareness and understanding – Read More

Minds Count Foundation: The Foundation’s objective is to decrease work related psychological ill-health in the legal community and to promote workplace psychological health – Read More