The NSW Government recently announced plans to update the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training program to include mandatory sexual harassment and sexual violence prevention training to improve workplace safety.
With this in mind, hospitality venues and business owners across the country should take note. Best practice suggests any workplace that sells, serves, or supplies alcohol should receive formal training on how to identify and respond to sexual harassment and sexual violence in licenced venues.
Providing employees with real-world tools and guidance needed to step in, defuse trouble, and assist patrons when it counts, means business owners can help mitigate risk and avoid matters from escalating. Training should also cover off key aspects including:
- Education on the law, including the differences between sexual harassment, sexual assault, and drink spiking.
- Explanation on how alcohol can impact an individual’s ability to consent and the role coercion can play.
- Reinforcement that alcohol is not the cause of sexual violence, and is often used to excuse perpetrators and transfer the blame to victims.
By equipping hospitality employees with the skills and confidence to recognise and respond to unacceptable behaviour, employers will help to foster safer venues for both employees and patrons.
Why is sexual harassment and violence prevention training needed?
In the wake of reported widespread cases of sexual violence in nightlife settings, ensuring hospitality employees are equipped to respond sensitively and safely to disclosures of sexual violence is essential to improve outcomes for victims.
It is also essential to ensure employers’ meet their new obligations under the Respect@Work legislation, which requires businesses to be proactive in maintaining a safe and healthy workplace, including the prevention of sexual harassment.
Sexual harassment and violence have no place in any workplace or community. Business that are committed to educating employers, enforcing Work Health and Safety laws, and supporting respectful, safe workplaces, will protect employees, and foster a positive and productive workplace culture.
Respect@Work training
At Cornerstone HR, we understand that everyone has a role to play in preventing workplace sexual harassment and violence. Our targeted Respect@Work training focuses on developing behavioural skills and new ways of thinking and acting, and providing knowledge to support those skills for all employees at all levels. Want more details? Get in touch with our team today.
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