Ep 192 - Know What Constitutes 'Sexual Harassment' at Work & The Action Victims Can Take, with guest Sarah Cappello

Many victims of sexual harassment stay silent and deal with the aftermath alone. In this vital conversation, we explore the breadth of action that constitutes 'sexual harassment' and advice on the first steps victims can take to move forwards.

My guest today is Sarah Cappello, Partner at Law Firm Hicksons Hunt & Hunt.

In this episode Sarah explains:

• What constitutes 'sexual harassment' from a legal perspective; know your rights
• The range of sexual harassment events including physical contact; gestures; facial expressions; written or verbal comments 
• The validity of events whether one-off, recurring, or un/witnessed by other people
• The difference between bullying and sexual harassment
• Reporting incidents to HR; potential career risk to the victim
• What to do to get advice and what first steps you should take; when and how to seek a lawyer

Something Sarah said today:

"The law doesn't require a pattern of behaviour for it to be serious. If something does happen once, and is serious enough for you to feel unsafe or offended, it still can be unlawful."  (Sarah Cappello, guest - Her Ambitious Career Podcast)

Links:

• Visit Hicksons | Hunt & Hunt website 
• The Fair Work Ombudsman website
• Respect@Work | Australian Human Rights Commission
• Hicksons l Hunt & Hunt article on the Respect @ work amendment act: Navigating the Positive Duty: Guidelines Published for Complying with the Positive Duty to Eliminate Unlawful Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment
• Visit the Illuminate website to learn more about executive coaching for women
• Connect with Rebecca Allen on Linkedin

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About Sarah:

Sarah Cappello is a Partner at Hicksons | Hunt & Hunt who works closely with both businesses and individuals to navigate complex commercial disputes, with particular expertise in employment law and shareholder matters. She is known for her strategic, solutions-focused approach and for providing clear, practical advice that reflects her clients’ broader objectives. Whether acting for a company in a high-stakes litigation or advising an individual through a sensitive workplace issue, Sarah is deeply committed to achieving the best possible outcome. Her reputation for reliability and client care has made her a trusted advisor across a broad range of matters. Contact Sarah via Linkedin

About Rebecca:

Rebecca Allen is a Career & Leadership Coach for corporate women, aspiring to senior levels of leadership. Over the last decade, Rebecca has helped women realise their potential at companies including Woolworths, ANZ, J.P. Morgan, PwC, Coca-Cola Amatil, Ministry of Defence, Frontier Sensing and AbbVie Medical Research through her Roadmap to Senior Leadership coaching programs. Connect with Rebecca