Everyone has the right to feel safe at work. This means you should never feel harassed, insulted, intimidated, threatened, or afraid of being hurt when you’re at work.

If you’re the victim of workplace violence or bullying, there’s help available.

What is workplace bullying?

Workplace bullying includes things like:

  • practical jokes
  • being criticised or insulted
  • rumours being spread about you
  • being threatened with losing your job
  • being unreasonably overloaded with work
  • constant unwanted attention (stalking)
  • being harassed online or via text.

These are only some of the ways you can be bullied.

What is workplace violence?

Workplace violence includes things like:

  • someone threatening to hurt you
  • being pushed, punched, kicked or shoved
  • having things thrown at you
  • racist or unwelcome sexual comments
  • indecent physical contact (for example, being grabbed or felt up).

This is not a complete list. Workplace violence can take other forms as well.

What you can do about it

You don't have to put up with bullying or violence. In Victoria, you have the right to refuse to work if you’re in immediate danger.

Here are five steps you can take to deal with violence or bullying:

  • Tell your employer what happened.
  • Take photos of any injuries (go to the doctor and get a WorkSafe medical certificate).
  • Get help and advice (see 'where to find help' below).
  • Report what happened to WorkSafe Victoria.
  • Keep a record of what happens to you, including any evidence (like medical certificates, WorkSafe compensation claims and any physical evidence like emails or photos).

It can be hard to tackle a bully on your own. Sometimes it's hard even if you have help from friends or colleagues.

If you need advice or support, you can contact:

When is workplace bullying and violence a crime?

Most forms of violence and any serious physical, verbal, emotional or online bullying in the workplace are crimes in Victoria.

This includes:

  • any behaviour that causes physical or mental harm (including self-harm)
  • threats to kill or hurt you or someone else
  • assault
  • stalking.

If you think you’ve been the victim of a crime, call the police on triple zero (000), or go to your local police station to let them know. Only the police can investigate a crime.

In Victoria there are anti-bullying laws that make serious bullying a crime that can be punishable by up to 10 years in jail.

This law, or legislation, is known as Brodie’s Law, in memory of Brodie Panlock, a young woman who tragically took her own life after relentless bullying at work.

Finding support

If you’re struggling, you don’t have to face your problems alone. You can get help by contacting:

All these services offer free, confidential support by phone or online chat.

You can also use ReachOut’s NextStep app to get help. The app will ask you some questions about how you’re feeling, and recommend some ways to get help.

These include online chat support services, peer forums where you can meet others online who are going through a similar experience, as well as phone and face-to-face services.

Where to find help

Call these organisations or visit their websites for advice about workplace violence or bullying: