Content warning: This messageÌýcontainsÌýinformation about sexual harm and gender-based violence which may be distressing. If you would like to speak with someone for support or information, please contactÌýourÌýSafer Communities OfficeÌýon +61 8627 6808 orÌýsafer-communities.officer@sydney.edu.au,Ìý´Ç°ùÌý³¦´Ç²Ô³Ù²¹³¦³ÙÌýÌýon 1800 737 732. 
At the ±¬ÁÏÍõ, we have a responsibility to ensure every member of our community is safe, respected and supported.Ìý
WeÌýallÌýhave anÌýunwavering commitment to prevent and respond to any behaviour that endangers others or makes them feel unsafe, including gender-based violence and sexual harm. 
Sexual harm and gender-based violence can affect anyone.ÌýUnderstanding whatÌýthey are,Ìýhow toÌýrespond, andÌýhowÌýtoÌýaccessÌýsupportÌýat any timeÌýcan help keep our community safe.
What is gender-based violence?
Gender-based violenceÌýrefers to harmful behaviour linked to a person’s gender, genderÌýidentityÌýor gender expression. It can be physical or non-physical and is often driven by power, control,ÌýinequalityÌýor discrimination.
These behaviours can occur in many settings:Ìýon campus, online, social events, accommodation, or off campus.ÌýItÌýmay involve someone known to themÌýorÌýa complete stranger.Ìý
What is sexual harm?
Sexual harmÌýrefers to any sexual activity without consent. This can include sexual assault, sexual harassment, voyeurism, or the recording or sharing of intimate images without consent.Ìý
Gender-based violence and sexual harm is never OK.
The National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence
°Õ³ó±ðÌýÌýtook effect from 1 January 2026. ItÌýmarks one of the most significant reforms to university safety in Australia’s history.
What is the National Code?Ìý
The National Code isÌýaÌýset ofÌýlegallyÌýenforceableÌýStandardsÌýand RequirementsÌýthat allÌýhigher education providersÌýmustÌýfollow to prevent and respond to gender‑based violenceÌýand ensure aÌýsafe,ÌýrespectfulÌýand supportiveÌýenvironmentÌýforÌýallÌýstudents,ÌýstaffÌýand members of our community.
In preparation for this legislation,Ìýthe University consulted with students and staff in October 2025 to develop:
Your responsibility as aÌýUniversity ofÌýSydney student
It is your responsibilityÌýto contribute to aÌýUniversityÌýcommunity that is safe,ÌýrespectfulÌýand inclusive.
This includes:
treating others with respect
not engaging in intimidating,ÌýharassingÌýor harmful behaviour
understanding your responsibilitiesÌýas a commencingÌýor continuingÌýstudent andÌýcompletingÌýRespect@SydneyÌý2026ÌýmandatoryÌýtraining toÌýunderstand expectations around respectful behaviour andÌýsupport a safe and respectful community
being an ethical bystander and understanding that there is always a safe and compassionate way to respond to problematic or harmful behaviour.
ÌýSupport and reporting
If you experience orÌýwitnessÌýsexual harm or gender-based violence, the University is here to support youÌýevery step of the way.
You can:
seek support onlyÌý– to talk things through and access help.
make a disclosureÌý– to inform the University and access support.
make a complaintÌý– if you want the University to take formal action.
Support is availableÌýwhether or notÌýyou decide to make a complaint. You can progress a disclosure to a complaint at any time.
Where to find support
Confidential support and adviceÌýareÌýavailable to students through theÌýSafer Communities Office.
They can help youÌýto:
access case-management support
understand your options
make a disclosure or complaint
find the right services
Safer Communities Office
Monday – Friday 9am - 5pmÌý
+61 8627 6808Ìý
safer-communities.officer@sydney.edu.auÌý
(outside hours, students can call 1300 474 065 to access the Mental Wellbeing Support Line)
Please visit theÌýSexual Harm and Gender-based Violence pageÌýon the Current Students website for more information.Ìý
Thank you for yourÌýcommitment to creating a safe Sydney campus.Ìý