A new survey The collection of anonymous data on the prevalence and impact of sexual harassment and assault in Australia’s architecture and built environment sector has been launched.

The Stop Harassment and Bullying survey was announced by Parlor on 5 November. The objective of the survey is to discern the extent to which instances of harassment and sexual harassment may be prevalent within the built environment professions, as well as the types of proactive and reactive support available. It is the first industry-wide academic survey to examine bullying and harassment among built environment professions in Australia.

The launch of the survey comes after the Positive Duty legislation was PUT in the Australian Sexual Discrimination Act of December 2022. Under the legislation, every employer is required to prevent workplace sexual harassment, sexual discrimination and victimization through proactive measures rather than simply reactive actions.

Parlor co-founder Justine Clark said the incident of harassment or intimidation was “one of many”. She added: “At the moment we have little data on the extent of the problem, but an increasing number of stories have been reported to the Parlor over time, across multiple communication channels. They swell whenever there is a discussion of harassment or bullying on social media or in Parlour’s editorial program.”

“Informal individual stories – although they are heard – are not enough to bring about change, and understandably few individuals are prepared to discuss these issues publicly. There is also plenty of evidence in other areas that those who make a complaint most often bear the cost. This is evidenced by the experiences of those in the built environment professions who spoke to us.”

Current or historical architecture and built environment professionals are eligible to participate in the survey, which comprises four sections: demographic questions; general questions about the current prevalence of sexual harassment and bullying in the built environment profession; a section for sharing specific experiences (current or historical) of bullying and harassment, and finally questions about workplace and industry policies, procedures and support available before and after reporting an incident.

“There is strong interest from key professional bodies to work together to develop industry-wide strategies to prevent sexual harassment and bullying and support those who experience it. This survey is an important start,” said Clark.

The anonymous survey will be conducted by both Parlor and Dr Gill Matthewson from Monash University in Melbourne, with the results collated and published.

The portal to access the Stop Harassment and Bullying Survey will close on November 22, 2024.