Propositioned for sex and sent sexually explicit messages

February 2021

Rita* was participating in a program for subsidised accommodation and casework support and had a male social worker named Tony*.

Tony propositioned Rita for sex. He also bombarded her with sexually explicit text messages and phone calls and invitations to take drugs.

Rita declined all of Tony’s advances and made a complaint to the funding body for the program, resulting in Tony’s employment being terminated.

Rita also lodged a complaint with ADNSW of sex discrimination and sexual harassment against Tony and the welfare services provider.

At conciliation, the matter was resolved when the welfare service provider provided an unreserved apology and substantial payment to Rita for her suffering.

*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of the individuals.