This 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence we want to encourage you to step up to be a workplace activist! There are so many things every worker can do to get the information needed to make work safer and get organised to end gendered violence at work. There are some tips, a checklist and conversation starters at the end of this blog, and links to other topics! Let's get active to end violence. 

Work-related gender-based violence is a serious health and safety risk that can affect anyone in the workplace. Whether it’s because of your gender, sexuality, or not fitting into socially prescribed gender roles, this kind of violence has significant physical and psychological impacts on workers. 

But here’s the good news: union women have fought hard to make sure that work-related gendered violence is recognised as an Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) issue – and one that can be prevented and responded to just like any other physical or psychological safety risk.  

Last year, WorkSafe imposed the first-ever fine and prosecution for sexual harassment against the bosses of two hospital-based coffee shops who had sexually harassed staff. This shows the power of union advocacy in creating real, lasting change.

What does this mean for you?  

This means that your employer has a legal obligation to provide and maintain a workplace that is safe, and free from gendered violence. Understanding your rights is the first step in making sure your workplace is safe. 

What Is Work-Related Gendered Violence?   

WorkSafe defines work-related gendered violence as any behaviour, directed at any person, or that affects a person, because of their sex, gender or sexual orientation, or because they do not adhere to socially prescribed gender roles, that poses a risk to health and safety.  

These behaviours can range from subtle actions to extreme violence, such as:  

• Stalking, intimidation, or threat - whether online or in person  

• Verbal abuse  

• Exclusion or ostracism  

• Sexually explicit gestures or language   

• Undermining your role 
• Put downs, innuendo, inappropriate questioning or jokes

• Sexual harassment   

• Sexual assault or rape  
   

A union win for safer workplaces   

Union women campaigned for years to get work-related gendered violence recognised as an OHS issue. This means your employer has an obligation under the OHS Act, to provide and maintain a work environment that is safe and without risk to the health of their employees. Your workplace must be safe, and it’s your employer’s responsibility to take steps to eliminate risks, including those related to gendered violence.   

What are the risk factors for work related gender-based violence? 

Certain workplace characteristics mean there are higher risks of gender based violence occurring at work. These include:

• When power is distributed unequally among gendered lines (like men being in positions of power and women in more vulnerable positions)
• When cultures of sexism, homophobia and other harmful behaviour are encouraged or continue without consequence
• When there is violent and aggressive behaviour that is supported, accepted or rewarded
• Being in casual, insecure, or low-paid work as it can make workers feel more vulnerable and less able to speak up for fear of losing their job or income

The risk can also increase based on the type of work being done (eg. customer or client facing roles), work systems (eg. working alone) or physical environments (eg. where alcohol is served or remote/isolated work).

Some workers are also targeted and are more at risk of having gender-based violence perpetrated against them. For example: LGBTIQA+ workers, young workers, workers with a disability, workers in insecure work, migrant workers. 

All workers can help stop gender-based violence at work! We can start by understanding what it is, knowing the risk factors and getting organised and empowered about responding to it! Complete the checklist and start a conversation at your workplace. 

Activist Checklist:  

1. Does your workplace or workforce have characteristics that increase the risk of gender-based violence occurring? 
2. Has your workplace conducted a risk assessment about these risks and consulted with workers, delegates or HSRs about controlling or eliminating them? 
3. Do you know how to report an incident of gendered violence at your workplace? 
4. Did you know you can contact your union or Worksafe if you have a concern about unsafe work?  
5. Have you reviewed Worksafe's 'preventing gender based violence' checklist?
6. Do you or your co-workers need additional training to help you identify or respond to gender based violence?

Check out our other 16 Days of Activism  - How to be a Workplace Activist Workplace Checklists and Conversation Starters:

Right to family and domestic violence leave

Stopping work-related gender-based violence

Ending sexual harassment - the positive duty 

Creating safe, well-organised workplaces

Winning gender equal workplaces