Discrimination comes in many forms, and can include harassment and bullying. This can occur anywhere, but is most common at school and work. If you are suffering any form of discrimination or bullying and want legal backup for your case, contact lawyer Vanessa Ash. You may need to collect evidence over a period of time, so talk to us first.

     The law is clear, but the application of it can be muddy at times.

1. It is illegal to discriminate against someone because of a personal characteristic that is protected by law (gender, disabilities, etc.)
2. It is illegal to sexually harass someone.
3. It is illegal to vilify (speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner) a person or group of people based on race or religion.
4. It is illegal to behave in a racially offensive way or abusive manner to a person or group based on their race, colour, nationality or ethnic origin.

Discrimination, Bullying and Harassment Law
     Definition: Discrimination means to be treated unfairly or not quite as well as someone else due to your:

• Age
• Gender
• Race
• Disability
• Whether you are married or not
• Pregnancy and parenting (usually at work)

     There are some specific forms of bullying, harassment and discrimination:

• Sexual harassment – the unwanted advances, touching, words or other communication of sexual targeting by one or more people against another person or group
• Racial abuse – the verbal, physical, social or psychological discrimination and abuse based on skin colour, race, ethnic background or
• Bullying – verbal, physical, social or psychological abuse creating a risk to a person’s health, including their psychological health and wellbeing
• Workplace discrimination – this ranges from not getting the promotion you clearly deserve because of a specific characteristic you have
• Online bullying or abuse – this is primarily an issue for young people at school, where bullying and abuse is rife and often unchecked online and via mobile phones

That is, we should all be treated fairly and equally, because those characteristics don’t impair our ‘humanness’. If you believe that you have been discriminated against or victimised, or are being accused of such behaviour, get in touch with Vanessa Ash – we can help clarify your legal position and further understand the circumstances of the allegations to determine the best course of action. This could include the referral to free advocacy services where appropriate.

Write your own story.