Sexual Assault In The Metaverse: Virtual Reality, Real Trauma
Last year, Facebook rebranded itself to become Meta. Its new online platform – the metaverse – is creating new challenges for sexual harassment prevention. The metaverse is a virtual space where people can interact using virtual reality and avatars. There have been reports of sexual assault on the platform against female avatars. These online assaults will have offline consequences as survivors will experience symptoms of trauma that can affect their work and personal life.
Australia: Liability Of Sports Clubs And Associations In Claims Of Harassment, Sexual Abuse, Hazing And Bullying
This article outlines the interplay between the Civil Liability Acts and the sporting industry. Sporting organisations can be legally liable for harm caused to members, including harm caused by harassment or bullying. The duty of care owed by a club is even higher when the member is under the age of 18. The article details preventative measures that can be adopted by sporting organisations to mitigate harm. These include establishing a complaints mechanism that is accessible and advertised, a protection policy and an annual review process.
Inclusion And Diversity
The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet released a statement on 1 January 2023 reiterating its commitment to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. The Department aims to better represent the Australian population through greater diversity to foster a safe and respectful culture. For 2023, the Department will observe days of significance, host targeted events and better staff training. The Department is also implementing its 2021-2023 Reconciliation Action Plan.