When is sexual harrassment illegal?

Sexual harassment law is there to stop the misuse of power, not to prevent unwanted sexual approaches. It applies in situations where one person can make life difficult for the other and could use that power to pressure them into sex.

So, sexual harassment is illegal at work because it’s more difficult to say no to your boss than it would be to a stranger on a train or at the beach. Your boss could make trouble for you at work. The law says that a person shouldn’t have to give sexual favours to keep their job or their entitlements. That’s why it’s illegal.

It’s the same if a customer at work hassles you. You can’t just tell them to get lost because it’s your job to look after them. This puts you under pressure, so the law steps in to protect you.

Same if you were sexually approached by a school teacher or a uni lecturer: they are in a position to cause you trouble if you say no, so the harassment is illegal.