Sexual Harassment Policy

 

The Brunswick Osteopathy Clinic Sexual Harassment Policy

The Brunswick Osteopathy Clinic (“we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to providing a workplace that is free from sexual harassment. All employees, contractors, students, and patients are entitled to be treated with dignity, respect, and professionalism. Sexual harassment will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All employees, including full-time, part-time, casual, and contract staff

  • Volunteers, students, and interns

  • Patients and clients

  • Visitors and third-party providers

It applies within the workplace, during clinic-sponsored events, off-site visits, online interactions, and other work-related environments.

Definition of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favors, or other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that could reasonably be expected to make a person feel offended, humiliated, or intimidated.

Examples include (but are not limited to):

  • Unwelcome touching or physical contact

  • Sexually suggestive comments, jokes, or gestures

  • Displaying sexually explicit materials

  • Repeated unwelcome invitations or requests for dates

  • Inappropriate comments about someone’s appearance or body

  • Sexual advances made under threat or in exchange for favors

  • Sending sexually explicit messages, emails, or images

Sexual harassment can occur between people of any gender and in any direction (e.g., supervisor to employee, employee to supervisor, between coworkers, or between staff and clients).

Responsibilities

Clinic Management Must:

  • Promote a culture of safety and respect

  • Take all complaints seriously and act promptly

  • Ensure all staff are trained on this policy and know how to report issues

  • Protect complainants from victimisation or retaliation

Employees and Contractors Must:

  • Not engage in sexual harassment

  • Report incidents if witnessed or experienced

  • Cooperate in any investigation

Reporting Sexual Harassment

All concerns and complaints will be treated confidentially and respectfully.

Reporting options include:

  • To the Directors of Brunswick Osteopathy Clinic, Elizabeth Dwyer or Stuart King.

Anonymous complaints may also be accepted where feasible, although they may limit the clinic's ability to fully investigate the matter.

Investigation Process

Once a complaint is made:

  1. A confidential, impartial investigation will be initiated promptly.

  2. Both the complainant and respondent will be given a chance to present their side.

  3. Outcomes may include mediation, disciplinary action, or termination depending on severity.

  4. The complainant will be informed of the outcome in a respectful and timely manner.

Consequences of Breach

Disciplinary action will be taken against any staff member found to have engaged in sexual harassment. This may include:

  • Formal warning

  • Mandatory training

  • Suspension or termination of employment

  • Referral to regulatory bodies if applicable

Victimisation and Retaliation

The Brunswick Osteopathy Clinic strictly prohibits any form of retaliation against individuals who raise concerns or make a complaint in good faith. Retaliation will be treated as a serious breach of this policy.

Review and Updates

This policy will be reviewed annually or following any major incident or legislative change. Updates will be communicated to all staff.

Approved by: Stuart King and Elizabeth Dwyer
Date Approved: 22/10/2025