Criminal offences
Some types of sexual harassment may also be unlawful under criminal law. These include indecent exposure, stalking, sexual assault and obscene or threatening communications, such as phone calls, letters, emails, text messages and posts on social networking sites.
Employees who believe they have been the victim of a criminal offence are encouraged to report the incident to Victoria Police as soon as possible, as well as reporting the matter to their manager or principal.
The Department also has a responsibility to deal with allegations of sexual harassment even when the police are or have been involved. This is to determine the appropriate action to be taken in the workplace. In relation to complaints involving employees, close liaison by the principal or manager with the Department’s Employee Conduct Branch and the police is necessary at the outset. This is to ensure that the police investigation is not interfered with or compromised in any way.
Reviewed 10 March 2020
