'Deeply disturbing' review into sexual harassment within SA's legal industry released

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A 'deeply disturbing' report into sexual harassment within South Australia's legal profession reveals widespread sexual and discriminatory harassment, prompting 16 recommendations for change.

The review also stated it was "deeply disturbing" that seven survey respondents indicated they had experienced sexual violence or sexual assault.

Underpinning the number of people who reported experiences of harassment was "very low reporting rates" — 69 per cent of survey respondents said they did not report the harassment due to fear of ruining their career. "The Commission heard from numerous participants whose view was that a number of women in positions of authority were perpetuating the culture of silence by failing to raise their voices against the drivers of harassment listed above.

She said she was "not at all surprised" to read the findings, and said they were similar to findings from other recent inquiries into the police force, fire service and members of Parliament. The review made 16 recommendations, including all legal workplaces to consider implementing workplace equality and respect standards, increasing time limits for reporting misconduct and anti-harassment training be provided.

Ms Chapman said she was keen to ensure the legal agencies she covered – the Attorney-General's Department, the Courts Administration Authority and the Legal Services Commission – all had measures in place to address sexual and discriminatory harassment.

 

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