13 January 2025
Page 7 of 8
Protection from Harassment Act 1997
Harassment can still occur even if it not based on a Protected Characteristic. The Protection
from Harassment Act 1997 made it a civil, and sometimes a criminal, offence to carry out
a course of conduct that amounts to harassment.
Examples
In a golfing context, some examples of unlawful harassment might include:
• Employees making unwanted or inappropriate contact with colleagues at a golf club
or facility.
• Targeting disabled golfers using buggies and demanding to see proof of a disability
where this is not required by the terms of a competition, for example.
• Disproportionate and public criticism or sanctioning of an individual's behaviour by
an organisation for irrelevant or personal reasons. A clear disciplinary procedure
will help to ensure that those facing disciplinary action at a club are treated fairly.
C. Victimisation
Victimisation is defined in section 27(1) of the Equality Act 2010.
Victimisation occurs where a person suffers a detriment because they do a protected act
or are believed to have done a protected act.
Protected Act
A protected act includes making a complaint (whether in writing or not, formally or
informally) or bringing legal proceedings under the Equality Act 2010 in relation to
discrimination, harassment, bullying, or any other issue related to equality, diversity or
Protected Characteristics.
Detriment
A detriment can be any less favourable treatment, including direct acts such as
suspensions, fines, sanctions, and verbal and physical aggression.
It is not necessary to show that somebody is being treated less favourably than somebody
else who did not do a protected act, only that they have been subject to a detriment
because of a protected act.