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Victimisation

Some people worry that they will be harassed or victimised if they make a complaint, particularly against someone they have a continuing relationship with, such as their employer. Victimisation is when one person subjects, or threatens to subject, someone else to some form of detriment or harm.

Under Commonwealth and Victorian laws, it is unlawful to victimise a person because they have made a complaint about discrimination or sexual harassment. There are penalties if someone does this to you.

Get legal advice if you think you are being victimised for making a discrimination complaint.

More information

Complaints about discrimination

How we can help

Call Victoria Legal Aid’s (VLA) Legal Information Service for free information over the phone about the law and how we can help you with your legal problem. You can speak to a legal information officer in English or ask for an interpreter. Phone (03) 9269 0120 or 1800 677 402 (country callers), Monday to Friday from 8.45 am to 5.15 pm.

VLA’s other free legal services include:

  • advice at VLA offices and other locations across Victoria
  • clinics for anti-discrimination matters.

For some matters we can provide you with a lawyer to help you run your case.

To find out more about any of our legal services see What we do.

Who else can help?

Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission

The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission administers Victoria’s discrimination laws.

The Complaints Advice Line can give you information and advice about making a discrimination complaint. Contact them on 1300 292 153, weekdays 9 am to 5 pm or by emailing enquiries@veohrc.vic.gov.au. Alternatively you can fill in the Online complaint form. 

Australian Human Rights Commission

The Australian Human Rights Commission administers Commonwealth discrimination laws.

The Complaints Infoline can give you advice about making a discrimination complaint under Commonwealth law. Contact the infoline on 1300 656 419 (TTY: 1800 620 241) or email complaintsinfo@humanrights.gov.au

Disability Discrimination Legal Service

The Disability Discrimination Legal Service provides free legal advice and assistance to anyone who wants to lodge a complaint about being discriminated against on the grounds of their disability. Contact them on (03) 9654 8644, TTY: (03) 9654 6817 or 1300 882 872 (country callers).

JobWatch

JobWatch provides legal assistance to Victorian workers. JobWatch can give you free, confidential telephone information and referrals about work rights. Call them on (03) 9662 1933 or 1800 331 617 (country callers).