Workplace Harassment

[MissJ94]

I work night shifts.

The last few nights ive been on at work have been quite traumatic for me.

It began sunday night where the staff member was on a facetime call and switched the camera onto me to engage in the conversation. I had made it very clear i wasnt willing.

Monday day time the staff member seems to have made an instagram account to stalk me. He had liked a photo of mine, the profile has literally nothing on it.

Tuesday night back at work and things go next level creep. Asking for my number then using the reason he is applying for a job and asked if i could be a referee, initially thought thats fine with me but now regretting handing over my mobile number. Then asking personal questions, some i was ok to answer, others i didnt answer. It was at this point i made it very clear i already have someone and am not the slightest bit interested. But he persisted. Continued to stating he looked for me on social media pages and found my profiles. Then he started asking me if i know why hes asking so many questions as though he wanted me to fall head over heels for him and say because he likes me???? All i said was no whats your reason. And he would just reply "i think you must know the reason", i refused to answer and got back to my work. Later that night he stated the car i drive and where i park at work, not that there were at least 5 other cars in the carpark and he doesnt arrive or leave work when i do. Not long later he send me a message request on one of my social media accounts. A completely random message where i asked him what the hell hes talking about. He said to just watch the video under that message and it was a really disturbing video that could be taken sexually. I ignored. Then he said hes going to swap his monday shift to work on wednesday(i dont work mondays but i do work wednesdays) and he commented that i didnt ask him why so i turned to him and asked why just for him to reply with "i think you know why". Again ended that conversation.

I had told my mum, guy im seeing and a friend all about this.

When i got to work wednesday night he turned up and i went into a panic. My mum got worried and called the police to my work. After speaking to them they really just made me feel like im over reacting but may be able to get an APVO out on him but i need more of his details. I spoke to them crying and shaking uncontrollably, was that panicked i even took my mask off and not fearing ill be fined for that!

Am i overreacting??

[Sophie_M]

Hi MissJ94, 

This situation with your colleague sounds horrifying and it is completely understandable why you and your mother would very concerned. It can be hard for people to not understand such a situation unless they have experienced it themselves. Have you spoken to your supervisor and/or HR at your workplace? Being made to feel uncomfortable at your place of employment is generally not tolerated by most employers and it seems your colleague may not be understanding workplace protocols. It sounds like this is really impeding on your sense of safety, he seems to be trespassing boundaries, particularly of a sexual nature and you have every right to say no. Please look after your mental health at this time because we can see this experience is traumatic for you and we do not think that you are overreacting in this scenario. 

We would strongly urge that you contact 1800RESPECT. They offer 24/7 confidential information, counselling and support for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse. The lovely supportive counsellors have a lot of experience offering advice and support to anyone who has been through trauma like this. You can contact them on 1800 737 732 or visit  https://www.1800respect.org.au/ 

If you would like some help finding mental health support, we would recommend that you get in contact with the Beyond Blue Support Service. They are available 24/7 by phone on 1300 22 4636 or on Webchat 1pm-12am AEST on our website: www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport  One of our friendly counsellors will be able to talk through these feelings with you and can offer support, advice and referrals. 

You are not alone and we are here to help you. Please keep in touch with the community and let us know how things pan out. Your safety is of the utmost importance to us, that be it physically, emotionally and mentally.