The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner and the State have welcomed a report on the experiences of victim-survivors of sexual harassment in Victoria’s courts and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner Kristen Hilton said the report, Preventing and Addressing Sexual Harassment in Victorian Courts and VCAT, from former Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner Helen Szoke, made 20 recommendations for change.
“Victoria’s courts and VCAT are a keystone of our justice system, so it’s critical that they model safe, inclusive workplace cultures where every individual is treated with respect,” Commissioner Hilton said.
“We welcome Dr Szoke’s 20 much-needed recommendations and urge the Victorian Government, Court Services Victoria, judicial officers and other duty holders to commit to implementing them in full,” she said.
“The Report found that sexual harassment was prevalent in the legal system – but that there were significant barriers that prevented victim-survivors from reporting their experiences.”
Commissioner Hilton said the Report recommended that Court Services Victoria develop a sexual harassment policy that met all six minimum standards listed in her Commission’s Guideline: Preventing and responding to workplace sexual harassment.
She said the Report concluded an independent review, initiated by the State and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria, in which her Commission acted as a research partner.
Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes said the Report provided a clear path forward to address sexual harassment in the sector and pledged to work with relevant Agencies, heads of jurisdiction and Ministers to ensure its recommendations were addressed.
Ms Symes said the Report revealed a culture where inappropriate behaviour had been normalised or ignored, which made it difficult for victim-survivors to speak up.
She said the Report’s recommendations aimed to eliminate the unacceptable behaviour and build a safe, positive and accountable workplace culture throughout the Victorian courts and VCAT.
“Key recommendations include amending legislation to ensure everyone working in Victorian courts and VCAT is protected against sexual harassment, and exploring further legislative changes to address systemic issues of sexual harassment, discrimination and victimisation,” Ms Symes said.
“The Report also calls on the courts to provide multiple ways for workers to report sexual harassment, adopt victim-survivor-centred responses and provide targeted, expert training to all court staff,” the Attorney-General said.
Dr Szoke’s 83-page Report can be accessed at this PS News link.
