Sexual harassment and gendered violence remain widespread in Victorian workplaces. This is also true in male-dominated industries, where silence still protects perpetrators and isolates survivors. Our latest report, “No more tick-box exercises”, exposes the systemic failures that allow this harm to continue. It also highlights the demands of women workers who are speaking out and leading change. 

We heard from women in construction, energy, transport, health, and manufacturing. They told us what many already know: behind corporate policies and public statements, employers are still looking the other way when it comes to gender-based violence at work. Respect is being talked about, but not practised. 

This is not about a few bad worksites or one rogue manager. Gendered violence at work is structural. Nearly one in two women in male-dominated industries told us they had experienced sexual harassment or sexist violence at work. 

Read more: No more tick-box exercises": women asking for safety

Read more: Gender Segregation: when social expectations block women from whole industries and careers

The risk is even higher for those in insecure jobs. 44% of women told us they’ve also faced discrimination based on race, ethnicity, First Nations identity, sexual identity, disability, age or migration status.  Women in casual or contract roles face more risks too. When your hours aren't guaranteed, reporting abuse can cost you your job. 

Too many employers still fail to understand this. Or worse, they understand it and choose to stay silent. 

The system protects perpetrators while women carry the cost 

When women speak up, they are often ignored or punished. Complaints are buried. Perpetrators are protected. Survivors are sidelined, discredited, or pushed out of their jobs. 

“There is a lot of gendered violence in the work we do, and this is exacerbated by unsafe management.”  

- Female Health Care Practitioner 

This adds a second layer of harm. After experiencing harassment or assault, too many women are isolated, blamed, and quietly forced out. Meanwhile, the people who harmed them continue to rise through the ranks, untouched and unbothered. 

When misconduct is covered up, it sends the wrong message. That the people doing harm will be protected. That keeping things quiet is more important than keeping workers safe. 

“The feeling of something could come off badly, I think women entirely understand the gut feeling.”  

- Female Electrical Technicial 

Employers have a duty to act and we will hold them accountable 

Every worker has the right to a safe job. That includes protection from sexual harassment, sexist abuse, and psychological harm. Employers already have legal obligations to identify and eliminate these risks. 

From 1 December 2025, new workplace regulations in Victoria will make those duties even clearer. Now that we have the legal framework, we need employers to step up. We expect more than tick-box training or quiet settlements. We expect leadership. 

"It came across as a tick-box exercise to protect the organisation. I don't understand why we can't put as much emphasis on the training and education around what it constitutes, what's your behaviour looks like, […] what would it be like if you were on the receiving end of this. So yeah, I think training would be a way to get through that, but that's only a very small part of it.”

- Female Nurse

What works to tackle gender-based violence in the workplace 

A dusty policy or a single e-learning module won’t cut it. Lasting cultural change takes sustained, visible action.  

Here’s what that looks like: 

    •   Ongoing training based on real-life examples 

    •   Confidential and safe reporting processes, without career risk 

    •   Regular communication about what behaviour is unacceptable 

    •   Leadership that models respect and enforces accountability 

Because when the culture is healthy, women stay. In fact, 91% of women who describe their workplace culture as positive want to stay. But when the culture is toxic? One in two is ready to walk. 

Across Victoria, women are already organising for safer workplaces. They are leading conversations, calling out abuse, and supporting each other. 

This report exists because they spoke up. It’s time employers and decision-makers listen, follow their lead and make safety and respect a real priority. 

We will not stop until every woman can go to work feeling safe, respected, and valued for the work she does.