Harassment is viewed by Nathalia Secondary College as unacceptable behaviour. All members of the school community have the right to feel safe and comfortable. Any reports of harassment will be investigated thoroughly and in accordance with the student management policy.
Australian Governments have passed laws, including the Commonwealth Sex Discrimination Act and the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act, to protect people.
It should also be noted that much of this behaviour can be subject to criminal prosecution as outlined in the Victorian Crimes Act.
What is Harassment
It is verbal, physical or sexual conduct that is unwelcome and uninvited.
Physical Harassment
Physical Harassment may involve the following:
Verbal Harassment
Verbal Harassment may involve the following:
Racial Harassment
Racial Harassment is any form of discrimination based on race. This may include:
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment may involve someone acting in the following ways:
Harassment based on beliefs
There should be respect for differing beliefs provided they do not impinge on the rights of others.
Dealing with Harassment
No-one else needs to know. What you tell someone will be CONFIDENTIAL. Don’t ignore it, tell the harasser to STOP. Seek assistance; don’t name the harasser publicly. YOU are not to blame; do not feel guilty. IGNORE comments which say ‘it’s nothing”.
Talk to a teacher. They will help you decide what to do by advising you of the alternatives. You will be protected. Retaliation will not be tolerated.