With the #MeToo campaign and several high-profile external sexual harassment cases over the year, the
Commission fielded 123 enquiries and complaints about sexual harassment, a significant increase over the
previous year’s total of 75.
Sexual harassment enquiries and complaints
Unlawful
discrimination
complaints closed
2017/18
2016/17
2015/16
2014/15
123
75
93
78
The Commission received 1381 complaints alleging unlawful
discrimination in 2017-18 (1211 in 2016-17) and closed 1370 unlawful
discrimination complaints over the year. Some 82 percent were closed
within three months and 97 percent within 12 months.
Outcomes of closed unlawful discrimination complaints over the past
four years:
2017/18
2016/172
2015/16
2014/15
Resolved or assistance given
1036 (76%)
972 (79%)
969 (76%)
930 (82%)
Withdrawn or discontinued,
no action taken
212 (15%)
156 (13%)
192 (15%)
137 (12%)
Referred to the Human Rights
Review Tribunal
122 (9%)
109 (9%)
120 (9%)
70 (6%)
Total
1370
1237
1281
1137
There are many ways to move a complaint towards resolution. The Commission initially talks to complainants
to help them identify the best path for them in their specific circumstances. This may involve suggesting how to
resolve the complaint themselves, referring them to another organisation better placed to help them, brokering
a resolution over the phone or setting up formal mediation.
Of those who took the path of formal mediation, 84.2 percent were satisfied or very satisfied with the
mediation process
2
38
Figures have been rounded up which accounts for the extra one percent. Exact decimal places result in 99.99 percent.
Human Rights Commission