This sexual harassment and sex or gender-based harassment prevention policy:
Understanding the definitions of workplace harassment is the first step in prevention.
Sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favours, or other conduct of a sexual nature that makes a person feel offended, humiliated, or intimidated. It can be verbal, physical, written, or visual and may occur once or repeatedly over time.
Sex or gender-based harassment refers to unwelcome conduct directed at someone because of their sex, gender identity, or gender expression. This includes behaviours that demean, insult, or target a person based on stereotypes, expectations, or assumptions about gender roles — even if the conduct is not sexual in nature.
Both forms of harassment are recognised as psychosocial hazards in the workplace and can lead to serious psychological and physical health impacts. Under work health and safety (WHS) laws, organisations have a legal duty to identify, assess and control the risks associated with these behaviours.
Creating a workplace free from harassment isn’t just a legal requirement — it’s essential for building a safe, respectful and inclusive culture for all workers.
This prevention policy clearly defines sexual harassment and sex or gender-based harassment, outlines expectations for worker behaviour and establishes a professional organisation’s position on prevention, reporting and response.
The policy supports compliance with work health and safety (WHS) laws and helps reduce the risk of incidents, claims and reputational damage. It also sets the standard for respectful workplace conduct across your business.
A comprehensive sexual harassment and sex or gender-based harassment prevention policy should clearly outline an organisation’s stance, responsibilities and procedures for preventing and responding to harassment in the workplace.
To be effective and legally defensible, the policy should include the following key elements: 
