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Sexual harassment review now open to submissions
An independent review into how Victoria’s courts can address sexual harassment and better support people with such experiences has opened submissions.
Naomi Neilson
As the legal profession now turns its attention on eradicating sexual harassment in the courts, the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission has called on those who have experienced or witnessed this behaviour to come forward and tell their stories in a bid to inform better responses and support systems.
Victorian Attorney-General Jill Hennessy said that a workplace that is not free from the threats of sexual harassment is an unsafe workplace and reviews like this one will help identify the “changes the justice and legal sectors need to make” to improve this.
Welcoming the news of the review in July, Victorian Bar’s president Wendy Harris QC expressed her support and confidence in the government’s response.
“It’s clear from evidence across the profession that we need to take steps to strengthen the culture and change practices within the profession so that sexual harassment can be called out and that all organisations and institutions have robust measures in place to prevent harassment and support victims, or witnesses, to speak out,” she said.
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission is partnering with the review team to provide a safe and confidential way for people to share experiences of sexual harassment. While the commission will not investigate specific complaints, the stories of lived experiences will help ensure the review meets the needs of individuals.
Those who contact the commission to share information about these experiences can be offered information and referrals to support services.
An independent review has been established to address how our Victorian courts can better support people who experience sexual harassment. If you have experienced or witnessed sexual harassment, the review is keen to hear from you.
You can confidentially either call the hotline on 1300 395 726, email
Naomi Neilson
Naomi Neilson is a senior journalist with a focus on court reporting for Lawyers Weekly.
You can email Naomi at:
