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All University community members and visitors: to understand their rights and responsibilities, and how to access support or report incidents.ÌýÌý

The Safer Communities Office provides confidential free support for current and former students, staff and affiliates who have experienced sexual harm, gender- based violence or other forms of harm - no matter where the incident has occurred.

Our team can assist with referrals to University and external support services, and offer support and guidance on accessing academic adjustments, support plans, and safety measures.

You can contact the University's Safer Communities Office by:

• emailing safer-communities.officer@sydney.edu.au
• calling + 612 8627 6808 or 1800 SYD HLP(1800 793 457) from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
• visiting us in person on Level 5, Jane Foss Russell Building, Darlington

For detailed contact information see the:

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Sexual harm means sexual activity without consent and includes:

• sexual assault
• sexual harassment
• voyeurism
• recording or sharing real or fake intimate images without consent

Gender-based violence means physical or non-physical violence, harassment, abuse or threats, based on gender, that results in, or is likey to result in harm, coercion, control, fear or deprivation of liberty or autonomy.

It can include:

• sexual harm
• stalking
• family and domestic violence
• coercive control
• forced marriage
• modern slavery

Everyone must help foster a study, work, living and social environment free from sexual harm and gender-based violence.

This includes:

• making sure you are not involved in conduct that is intimidating, harassing, abusive, disrespectful or threatening
• completing training
• intervening safely as an ethical bystander
• declaring intimate relationships that may affect decision-making

• at our Sexual Harm and Gender-based Violence web page
• by contacting the Safer Communities Office
• by phone: + 61 2 8627 6808 or 1800 SYD HLP (1800 793 457)
• through (for staff and some affiliates)

You can choose to report anonymously. Support is available with or without a disclosure or complaint. 

A person makes a disclosure when they share information about sexual harm or gender-based violence with the University. The purpose of a disclosure is to seek trauma-informed support and/or make the University aware of an incident. Disclosures can be made by the person who experienced the conduct or by a person who witnessed it (a bystander), and may be made anonymously. Where possible, bystanders should seek consent from the person who experienced the conduct to make the disclosure.

A disclosure can be made via phone, online, email or in-person at any time after an incident has occurred, with no time limits. Safer Communities can also assist you in completing a disclosure.

A person makes a complaint when they ask the University to take action in response to a report of sexual harm or gender-based violence. The purpose of a complaint is to seek trauma-informed support and/or explore options for addressing or resolving the incident. Complaints can be made anonymously, but can only be made by the person who experienced the conduct (the complainant), or by a student caseworker or a Safer Communities Office staff member, with the complainant’s consent. 

The Safer Communities Office, a student caseworker, counsellor or other support person can help you make a complaint. 

The University recognises that the experiences and identities of people who make reports are diverse and varied.  We understand that you need us to respond to reports in a culturally appropriate and safe way that prioritises your safety, dignity and agency. We will explain the support and assistance available, including wellbeing support, safety planning, and study and work adjustments.

If you make a disclosure or complaint, we:

• will provide you with trauma-informed support and assistance
• will work with you to develop a tailored support plan
• may take interim measures against the respondent to protect your safety and wellbeing and that of others
• will consult you and consider your views before deciding to take interim measures
• will undertake a risk assessment and manage any material risks on an ongoing basis, and
• will not penalise you or anyone else for making or providing information about your report.

If you make a complaint, we will:

• conduct a preliminary assessment to determine how to respond, regardless of the context in which the alleged conduct occurred
• seek and consider your views before taking any action
• work with you to develop a tailored support plan
• work with the respondent to develop a tailored support plan
• support you and the respondent throughout the complaints process, and
• use procedurally fair processes that lead to disciplinary action against the respondent where appropriate.

Your report will be treated as confidential and we will not disclose the information you provide unless:

• you consent to us sharing the information with someone else
• we are required by law to share the information with someone else (such as the NSW Police), or
• there is a serious or ongoing risk of harm to the health or safety of any person.