Sex Harassment Widespread In Australian Police: Survey
Fakhir Rizvi Published August 22, 2016 | 02:02 PM
SYDNEY,(APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News -22nd Augst,2016) - Almost half of the women working for Australia's national police force say they have been sexually harassed on the job, according to a report released Monday calling for urgent change. The review of the workplace culture of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) also found that more than 60 percent of staff -- men and women -- reported being bullied. "In the areas of sexual harassment and bullying, urgent action is required," the report's author, former sex discrimination commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick said. A survey carried out for the report found that 46 percent of women and 20 percent of men said they had been sexually harassed in the workplace in the last five years. "These percentages are almost double the national average," it noted. "Sixty-two percent of men and 66 percent of women reported that they have been bullied in the workplace in the last five years." The document, "Cultural Change: Gender Diversity and Inclusion in the Australian Federal Police", also criticised the reporting process for complaints.
Some police workers felt that if they reported harassment it would hurt their careers or result in them being ostracised or victimised while others said complaints could take too long to resolve and questioned their confidentiality. Women across the AFP, which is separate to state police forces, also reported difficulties in having to "fit in" to a male-dominated culture, including having to "prove themselves". "We have certainly made progress but I still think there is a culture of sexual harassment and bullying," one female participant told the survey. Releasing the report, AFP Commissioner, Andrew Colvin admitted that "things must change" and apologised to staff past and present who had been subjected to unacceptable behaviour. "These practices will not be tolerated," he said, adding that a new division would be established to lead cultural reform. The review of AFP workplace culture follows several inquiries into the nation's military which has been rocked by allegations of sexual abuse and cruel initiation rituals in recent years.
Recent Stories
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 28 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 28 April 2024
Fresh wave of rainfall in AJK continues for the second consecutive day
Babar, bowlers help Pakistan level series 2-2 against New Zealand
Attack in restive Chilean province leaves three police officers dead
PM, Saudi Royal court advisor discuss ways to boost economic ties
England clinch third successive Women's Six Nations Grand Slam
DC Bahawalnagar leads fight for fair bread prices
Sheffield Utd relegated from Premier League
02 proclaimed offenders arrested by Wah Police
Pakistan level T20I series with nine-run victory over New Zealand
Minister meets Chinese Consul General, discusses bilateral cooperation, Chinese ..
More Stories From World
-
Italian PM Meloni says will stand in EU Parliament elections
17 minutes ago -
Two-time defending world champion Bagnaia denies Marquez fairytale win
1 hour ago -
Pakistan Embassy Beijing to create platform for students, professionals to explore opportunities: Am ..
1 hour ago -
One man dead after migrant boat sinks off Greek island
2 hours ago -
Tesla CEO Musk meets China's number two official in Beijing
2 hours ago -
Hamas official says delegation to respond to Gaza truce plan in Egypt Monday
3 hours ago
-
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results
3 hours ago -
PM calls upon bridging gap between Global South, North in health sector
4 hours ago -
One man dead after migrant boat sinks off Greek island
4 hours ago -
Schools closed, warnings issued as Asia swelters in extreme heatwave
4 hours ago -
Russian journalist held over videos for late dissident Navalny
5 hours ago -
Pope holds mass in Venice's St Mark's, first trip in months
5 hours ago