Content Warning
This page discusses gender-based violence, sexual harm, and other material that some may find distressing. Please take care while reading and engage with the content at your own pace. Support options are available throughout this page.
Sexual Harm and Gender-Based Violence
At USU, we are committed to supporting gender equality and preventing sexual harm and gender-based violence from occurring across our clubs and societies, events and campus spaces. Everyone has the right to live free from violence, harassment and harm - whether on campus, at home, online, or wherever they choose to be.
If you have experienced, are currently experiencing, or have witnessed gender-based violence or sexual harm, you are not alone. Support is available and you are in control of what you choose to do next. Whether you want information, confidential support, or to make a report, there are options available to help you make the decision that feels right for you.
What is Gender-based violence?
Gender‑based violence (GBV) refers to any form of physical or nonphysical harmful behaviour directed at a person because of their gender, gender identity or expression, or because of social power imbalances related to gender. GBV can take many forms, including:
Sexual harm (including sexual assault and sexual harassment)
Physical violence
Intimidation, threats or abuse of power
Coercive control
Technology-facilitated abuse
While gender-based violence can affect anyone, regardless of gender, sexuality, age, culture or background, evidence demonstrates that women, LGBTQIA+ people and gender diverse people are disproportionately impacted.
Sexual harm refers to any sexual activity that occurs without consent, including unwanted sexual contact, pressure, coercion or exploitation. Sexual harm can occur in person or online and may involve someone the person knows or a stranger.
Where can I find support?
You can access confidential support for yourself, or someone else. You do not have to make a report to get support. Support services can help with emotional and psychological wellbeing, medical care, safety planning, understanding your options and navigating reporting processes. You can choose to access whichever support services you would like.
Resources on campus and in the community
USU
USU's Safety and Wellbeing staff can provide support and information, connect you with University support services including the Safer Communities Office and Wellbeing services, help you understand your options, and assist you in accessing University or external reporting pathways if you choose.
If you contact USU for support, you will be in touch with staff who will manage all communication with confidentiality. Student Board Directors do not have any involvement with GBV disclosures or complaints.
Request support or guidance via our online from here.
Email: [email protected]
University of Sydney
Campus Protective Services
Assists with immediate safety concerns, campus incidents and after-hours support.
Phone: 02 9351 3333 (Available 24 hours, 7 days a week)
Safer Communities Office (SCO)
Provides specialist support, advice and information for students affected by sexual harm and gender-based violence. SCO can also help you make a report if that is what you choose to do.
Phone: 02 8627 6808
Email: [email protected]
Student Wellbeing
Provides free health and counselling services for students, including assistance with personal, emotional and practical concerns that may affect your wellbeing and studies.
Phone: 02 8627 8433 or 02 7255 1562
Email: [email protected]
Your options in the community
Royal Prince Alfred (RPA) Hospital Sexual Assault Service
Offers a free, confidential clinic with experienced counsellors. If you’d like to access support from RPA, you don’t need to also speak to anyone at the University about what happened to you. Campus Security can arrange transport for you to RPA. Info on RPA Community Health Sexual Assault Service and how to book an appointment can be found here.
Phone: 9515 9040 (Monday - Friday) or 9515 6111 (after hours)
Full Stop Australia
Offers confidential support to anyone affected by sexual assault, harassment, or abuse.
Call 1800 385 578 or chat online (available 24 hours, 7 days a week)
1800RESPECT
A confidential counselling service for anyone experiencing sexual, domestic, or family violence.
Call 1800 737 732 or chat online (available 24 hours, 7 days a week)
What are my reporting options?
Disclosure and complaint: what's the difference?
Disclosure
A disclosure is about letting someone know something has happened and seeking support. Many people choose to start with a disclosure.
You can share as much or as little information as you want
You do not have to request an investigation or formal action
USU can listen, provide information, and help connect you with support services
A disclosure focuses on your wellbeing and safety choices
Complaint
A complaint is a request to take action. You can make a complaint at any time - including after making a disclosure. You have options of where you would like to make your report, whether it be to the police, the University of Sydney or USU. You do not have to decide everything at once.
You are asking for the situation to be assessed and a response
This may involve safety measures or disciplinary processes, depending on the circumstances
USU and the University will explain what options are available and any limits to what action can be taken
Your options for reporting
USU
You may wish to notify USU if
the incident occurred at a USU club, event, venue or other activity
the incident involved a USU member, staff member or guest
USU can:
provide support and information
refer you to University support services
help you access USU, University or external reporting pathways
take steps, where appropriate, to help keep people and student spaces safe
Your complaint will be handled confidentiality by staff. Your complaint will not be known to USU Student Board Directors.
Learn about how to make a disclosure or complaint to USU here. If you would like to talk to a trained USU staff member about making a disclosure or complaint, you can contact us by emailing [email protected].
University of Sydney
USYD Safer Communities Office
The Safer Communities Office provides specialist advice, support and reporting options for students impacted by sexual harm and gender based violence.
Sexual harm and gender-based violence support - The University of Sydney
Phone: 02 8627 6808
Email: [email protected]
Student Affairs Unit
University of Sydney's Unit for managing complaints.
Make a complaint - The University of Sydney
Phone: 1800 793 457 (option 2 for complaints)
Email: [email protected]
In the community
NSW Police
To speak to NSW Police about an incident of sexual harm or GBV, you can dial triple zero (000) or contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444. The USU can provide support in contacting the Police if you would like.
The NSW Police Sexual Assault Reporting Option (SARO) is a secure anonymous form that allows victims to record an assault and share information anonymously without starting a formal police investigation.
Full Stop Australia
Full Stop Australia is a sexual, domestic and family violence response and recovery service. They provide online chat support and run the NSW Sexual Violence Helpline on 1800 385 578 (open 24/7, free and confidential).
How can I support someone who has disclosed to me?
If something has happened to someone you know, it can be difficult to know how to respond. It's important to understand how to support them in a way that feels safe and respectful, while also looking after your own wellbeing. The USU recommends following the 4 S's when someone discloses an experience of harm, to help you respond with compassion and confidence.
Safety
Ask whether they are safe right now. If there is an immediate risk of harm, contact emergency services at 000 or seek urgent support.
Support
Listen with compassion and without judgement. Believe what they share, acknowledge their experience, and give them space to talk at their own pace. Avoid asking for details unless they want to share them. You could say:
I believe you
Thank you for telling me
It wasn’t your fault
You do not have to go through this alone
Signpost
Encourage professional support, but do not pressure them to report. You do not need to “fix” the situation. Your role can simply be to support and help them connect to services.
Self-care
Receiving a disclosure can be confronting and may have an impact on you. If you are experiencing any distress yourself, you are entitled to support too.
How can I be an active (ethical) bystander?
An ethical bystander is someone who recognises behaviour that may be harmful and chooses to respond in a way that is safe and respectful. By speaking up, checking in, or seeking help when it is safe to do so, ethical bystanders help create a culture of respect and contribute to making the USU and the broader community safer for everyone. Being an active bystander doesn't always mean stepping in directly. The safest and most appropriate response will depend on the situation and your level of comfort. The 5D's of Bystander Intervention outline different ways you can safely support someone and help prevent harm.
Direct
If it is safe to do so, speak up or address the behaviour in a calm and respectful way.
Distract
Create a distraction or interruption to help de-escalate the situation without confronting the person who is harassing directly.
Delegate
Seek support from someone else, such as a friend, staff member, security, or another trusted person who can help.
Delay
If you can't intervene in the moment, check in with the person afterwards, offer support, and encourage them to access help if they want it.
Document
If it is safe, and if the person is already receiving help by someone else, record what happened or write down what you observed. If not, use another of the 5D’s. Only share any documentation with the person affected and ask what they want to do with it.
You are never expected to put yourself or others at risk.
Learn more about being an ethical bystander and the 5D’s here.
Preventing Gender-based violence together
Creating a safer community is everyone's responsibility. We can all contribute to a culture of respect, inclusion and equality. Everyone within USU and the university community has a role to play in promoting gender equality and preventing violence, whether they are staff or students. Violence prevention starts with our small, everyday actions. Acts of respect, inclusion, and support can help create a safer community for everyone.
You can make a positive difference by:
Challenging disrespectful attitudes, behaviours, and gender stereotypes when it is safe to do so.
Promoting respect, inclusion, equality, and consent in your everyday interactions.
Speaking up or safely intervening if you witness harmful behaviour.
Checking in on friends or peers who may need support and connecting them with appropriate services.
Learning about consent, healthy relationships, and bystander intervention.
Recognising that everyone experiences the world differently and responding with empathy and compassion.
Resources
Please see below for further resources.
Understanding consent and respectful relationships
Teach Us: What ‘No’ Looks Like & How to Practise Consent
Safety planning resources
Safety planning | 1800RESPECT
Safety apps for your digital devices | 1800RESPECT
Learn more about tech-based gendered violence
Gendered violence | eSafety Commissioner
Information for friends and bystanders
Something has happened to someone I care about | Full Stop Australia
External support organisations
Lifeline 13 11 14
13 YARN 13 92 76
Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
Headspace 1800 184 527
eSafety
Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
Mensline Australia 1300 789 978
Qlife (LGBTIQ+) 1800 614 434
Men's Referral Service (No to Violence) 1300 766 491