Lead the Change to tackle workplace gendered violence

Lead the Change is a free program supporting leaders and decision‑makers across small to medium enterprises – in hospitality, retail, manufacturing and construction industries – to build environments where inclusion, safety and respect are embedded into everyday practice.

Through webinars, workshops, training and practical resources, the program equips employers with the tools they need to recognise harmful behaviours, meet their legal obligations, and proactively prevent gendered violence at work.

Understanding the scale of the issue

Gendered violence remains a pervasive challenge in Australian workplaces. 

• About​ one in three people​ (33 per cent) have been sexually harassed at work (41 per cent of women and ​26 per cent of men​)
• Underreporting is common: Fewer than one in five people (18 per cent) made a formal report or complaint about sexual harassment at work.​
• Action is also an issue: Two in five people (40 per cent) who made a formal report or complaint said that no changes occurred at their workplace as a result.

Mental health injuries are also on the rise. The highest percentage of serious mental stress
claims in 2021-22 were attributed to:​ 

• work related harassment and/or workplace bullying (27.5 per cent)
• work pressure (25.2 per cent) ​
• workplace or occupational violence (16.4 per cent).​

What is gendered violence?

According to WorkSafe Victoria, gendered violence includes any behaviour that causes physical, psychological or economic harm and is based on gender, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity. It can occur through overt acts, subtle behaviours, everyday interactions, or misuse of power.

Impact on employees

The consequences for affected workers can be profound and long‑lasting. These may include:

• feelings of fear, shock, humiliation or distress
• loss of confidence, withdrawal or disengagement
• impacts on relationships, career aspirations and job satisfaction
• financial strain due to leave, job loss or legal support
• psychological injuries such as depression, anxiety, PTSD or acute stress
• physical health issues including cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders or injuries from assault.

Impact on workplaces

Workplaces also experience significant ripple effects, including:

• higher staff turnover and recruitment costs
• reduced morale, productivity and engagement
• increased absenteeism and presenteeism
• the costs of investigations and procedures
• reputational damage.

The business case for prevention

Preventing violence against women is not only a moral and social imperative. When workplaces take action to address the underlying drivers of gendered violence, they typically see:

• improved compliance and reduced legal risk
• lower turnover and absenteeism
• higher productivity and engagement
• enhanced wellbeing and job satisfaction
• reduced operating costs
• stronger employer brand and reputation.

A positive duty to act

Every employer has a legal duty not to engage in or enable discrimination or harassment, and to take reasonable steps to prevent it.

In 2025, a Victorian small business was fined $100,000 for failing to manage sexual harassment risks and lacking systems to address inappropriate behaviour.

Gendered violence can emerge in everyday interactions, making early recognition and prevention essential. Effective approaches typically include:

• strong, practical policies
• psychologically safe reporting channels
• leadership that models respectful behaviour
• organisation‑wide training
• a culture where harmful behaviours are called out early.

These practices reduce risk and support healthier, more engaged teams and strengthen an organisation’s ability to attract and retain talent.

About Lead the Change 

Funded by The State of Victoria as represented by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, the Victorian Chamber’s Lead the Change program offers practical tools and training to help employers meet their positive duty obligations and build safer workplaces.

Key features include:

• Practical tools and training to prevent gender-based violence in the workplace; meet legal obligations and reduce risk.
• Free online and in-person sessions from February 2026 to May 2027, with in-person events taking place in Melbourne and regional Victoria.
• Clear guidance to help participants identify and correct behaviours, promoting safer and more inclusive workplaces.
• Flexible learning options for operational teams, and courses tailored for boards, executives, business owners and senior managers.

Discover more about Lead the Change