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Sexual Assault

If someone threatens or hurts you, touches you in a sexual way without your consent (permission) or forces you to take part in a sexual act against your will, this is a criminal offence. You should contact the police on 000.

If the police gather sufficient evidence against the person they will charge them with criminal offences and have them prosecuted at court. It does not matter if the person who hurts you is known to you or not, it is a criminal offence.

If you are between the ages of 16 -17 years of age then a person who is supervising or caring for you is not allowed to have sex with you – even if you agree to it.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual Harassment is a form of sex discrimination. It is best described as any sexual actions which cause you to feel uncomfortable, offended, intimidated or humiliated. Some examples of sexual actions are:

  • An unwelcome sexual advance towards you
  • A request for a sexual favour
  • A sexual joke
  • Staring, leering and wolf whistling
  • Physical contact or unwanted touching  

Sexual harassment can occur anywhere – school, workplace, in public.

If you believe you have been sexually harassed you can complain to the Equal Opportunity Commission. The Equal Opportunity Commission only deals with sexual harassment which occurs in certain situations.

Don’t forget there are criminal offences like assault which can protect you from unwanted sexual behaviour.