When it comes to addressing sexual harassment in law, Australia’s first female prime minister says we must focus on solutions that will create safer and more productive working environments, writes Samantha Mangwana.
She said multiple universities in the US had recently introduced software allowing users to lodge an encrypted and timestamped record of their harassment. Users can then decide whether to upwardly refer the incident to trigger an investigation. The most interesting aspect of this online reporting tool is the optional repeat offender matching system, which connects users who make complaints about the same alleged perpetrator.
“This ensures the victim has the option to report harassment as part of a group,” Ms Gillard said.
These online reporting tools are also accessible from anywhere, allowing users to engage on their own terms, when it suits them. They are also becoming increasingly common. In fact, the NSW Legal Services Commissioner is about to launch one of its own, specifically focusing on sexual harassment and bullying.
Source: Gillard urges legal profession to improve reporting of sexual harassment – Lawyers Weekly