WA cafes unite to stamp out workplace sexual harassment one coffee cup at a time with Expect Respect campaign

A new campaign aims to use the conversations we have over coffee as a way to stamp out sexual harassment in the workplace. Thought-provoking messages designed to dispel common myths about workplace harassment will feature on takeaway coffee cups at more than 30 participating WA cafes from Friday until December 10. In the heart of Victoria Park’s cafe strip, Sage is among the venues taking part in the “Expect Respect” campaign launched by Circle Green Community Legal. Owner Tanya Eustace said language was powerful and she hoped the messages would encourage open dialogue about gender-based violence to help challenge societal norms. “Having these conversations is good for men, women, and children,” Ms Eustace said. “It’s important that we are thinking about how we interact with each other in terms of the words we use and the message behind those words.” One in two Australian women have experienced sexual harassment according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and one in three have been victims in the workplace. Phrases including “It was just a joke”, “I meant it as a compliment” and “I didn’t even touch her” are among those customers can expect to see on their cups as they grab a morning brew. On the other side, “It’s still sexual harassment” and a QR code points people to resources to tackle the topic. Heidi Guldbaek, who spearheaded the project for Circle Green, said sexist jokes and remarks can foster poor environments, which in turn can enable perpetrators of sexual harassment or assault. “We see examples of how it is minimised all the time. Just because it’s often normalised, does not mean it’s okay,” Ms Guldbaek said. “Sexual harassment is preventable and it’s against the law. Everyone should be able to expect respect while at work. “Grab a cup, start a conversation, and show your community that you expect respect.” The timely campaign comes ahead of workplace end-of-year events and Christmas parties, a known period for increased instances of workplace sexual harassment. Ms Eustace said every voice and action mattered in ending gender-based violence and called for people to think about the role they can play in combating the issue. “By raising awareness and encouraging open dialogue, we can make a real difference. Inappropriate jokes in the workplace are no longer acceptable,” she said. There will be 19 cafes in Perth featuring the cups designed by local illustrator Janice Law and at least a dozen in regional areas from Kalgoorlie and Kununurra to Dunsborough and Albany. The campaign also aligns with “16 Days of Activism” — a global campaign period between November 25 and December 10 geared towards ending violence against women and girls. Coffee lovers can find their nearest participating cafe on Circle Green’s website. If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or Sexual Assault Counselling Australia on 1800 211 028, the WA Sexual Assault Resource Centre on 6458 1828 or 1800 199 888 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.