They also need to be flexible and appropriate for use in businesses of all sizes and in all industries—with particular effort required to ensure that resources support and are appropriate for use in small businesses. To ensure employers and businesses of all sizes have access to high quality resources and tools to support all seven domains of the framework, the Commission recommends a collaborative approach to the creation and distribution of these resources. This can leverage the vast amount of resources already in existence and the expertise that resides in the collaborating parties. The Commission recommends the establishment of a collaboration between unions, employers and employer associations to deliver information, education and resources for workers and employers through an online platform, Respect@Work. (vi) Support, advice and advocacy When sexual harassment occurs, victims need support, advice and advocacy. Throughout the Inquiry, the Commission heard that while there are services that do provide support, navigating the pathways to these services can be difficult, and they are often too expensive or affected by lengthy delays.62 Despite the broad-reaching detrimental impacts of sexual harassment, many people affected by it do not seek support. The 2018 National Survey found that fewer than one in five people (18%) who said they experienced workplace sexual harassment in the past five years sought support or advice in relation to the most recent incident.63 When victims do seek support, it is often from friends and family, and not necessarily specialist professional services.64 A holistic approach The Commission considers that support, advice and advocacy should be delivered through a holistic approach, providing as seamless an experience as possible for victims and other people affected by workplace sexual harassment. This holistic approach may involve smooth and speedy referrals between services or access to an all-inclusive support, advice and advocacy service. Working women’s centres are not-for-profit community organisations that are well placed to provide these services.65 Australian governments should consider establishing or re-establishing working women’s centres in jurisdictions where they do not currently exist to fulfil this role. Information and referral The Commission frequently heard that workers’ needs were not being met for clear, up-to-date, relevant, easily accessible information to help them come to terms with their experiences and enforce their rights in relation to workplace sexual harassment.66 Respect@Work: National Inquiry into Sexual Harassment in Australian Workplaces • 2020 • 37

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