Scenario 14: Someone is making you feel uncomfortable at work or at school

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Sexual harassment at work, school, in shops, or when you access public services like housing, restaurants, healthcare or banking, is against the law.

Sexual harassment is any unwanted sexual behaviour that makes you feel uncomfortable or violated. It can be physical, verbal, written or other conduct. You still have rights even if you didn't do or say anything at the time. It is very common to feel shocked and not know what to do.

If you have experienced sexual harassment at work, you can speak to your employer. It is their responsibility to make sure the workplace is free from sexual harassment. This rule also applies to your school. You can speak to a support worker or teacher.

To find out more about sexual harassment or assault, you can get information online at:

You can also call Victoria Legal Aid (1300 792 387) for free, confidential legal advice on what to do. You can ask them to organise an interpreter for you.

They can tell you the steps you can take, like making a formal complaint to the Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission or the Australian Human Rights Commission. You can ask for things like an apology or compensation, or achieve changes as to how a workplace or school is run and how people behave. You could also get a court order to make the person's behaviour stop. It is important to seek legal advice.

Sexual assault is against the law.
Sexual assault is any unwanted or uninvited sexual touching. It includes rape and unwelcome kissing or touching. It can include threats.

If you have been sexually assaulted, you can report it to the police. If you're in a risky situation right now, call 000.

You can also call the Centre for Sexual Assault or 1800RESPECT for support.

Learn more about issues like this

Learn more about the people and places that can help

Free Legal Help

Lawyers are here to help you. They can give you clear directions about what to do next based on what you want, and they can do things for you like talk to other people, speak in court and draft documents. If you speak to a lawyer, they cannot tell anyone what you have said – including migration authorities, police and family. What you tell them won’t affect your visa, work or education.

Community Legal Centres (CLCs)

Community Legal Centres (CLCs) are independent community organisations that provide free and confidential legal services to the public. They help people who are ineligible for legal aid and cannot afford a private lawyer.

They can provide free legal information, advice and in some cases ongoing assistance to you as an international student.

Victoria Legal Aid (VLA)

If you have a legal problem, you can read free legal information on the VLA website. They can also give you free and confidential legal advice on the phone in your language and sometimes give you ongoing help with your situation.

Other Services

Some services can provide you with support or information. This might include general information about your options. They are a good place to start when you are having trouble and want to find out more about what you can do.

Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC)

If you feel you have been discriminated against, sexually harassed, victimised or vilified, you can make a complaint to the VEOHRC. They may help you fix your problem by helping you talk to the people causing the problem.

Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC)

If you feel you have been discriminated against or harassed at work, school, or when purchasing goods and accessing services, you can make a complaint to the AHRC. They will investigate the complaint and may help you fix the problem.