Respect at Melbourne
Content warning:
This website includes information on sexual harassment and sexual assault and may be distressing for some people. For support, contact the Safer Community Program.
The University of Melbourne is committed to eliminating sexual misconduct and promoting safety for students, staff and visitors.
Where sexual misconduct does occur, we aim to provide a supportive and trauma-informed response that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of victim-survivors.
What is sexual misconduct?
It is important we all have a shared understanding of what sexual misconduct is.
Sexual misconduct
The University of Melbourne uses the term sexual misconduct to describe any sexual act or behaviour that a person does not consent to, including sexual assault (and other sexual offences) and sexual harassment.
Sexual misconduct is unacceptable.
The University of Melbourne is committed to eliminating and preventing sexual misconduct from its community and prioritising the safety and wellbeing of everyone who experiences it.
Where sexual misconduct does occur, we aim to provide a supportive and trauma-informed response that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of victim-survivors.
If you have experienced sexual misconduct, you have the right to seek support and advice.
The University will support you through this process. We will listen and respect any decision you make along the way.
Penalties may apply.
Findings of sexual misconduct may result in a range of penalties.
For students, this may include suspension or expulsion from the University.
For current staff this may include dismissal or other action on employment as determined by law, for former staff this may result in limiting their ability to be hired again, and for honorary staff members this may result in rescission of appointment.
Get support
If you or someone you know feels unsafe or needs to talk, our university support services can help you.
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Safer Community Program
Access support and advice about inappropriate, concerning or threatening behaviour.
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Counselling and Psychological Services
Access free, confidential, short-term counselling, as well workshops, mental health training, and helpful resources.
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Student Equity and Disability Support
Access supports, including educational adjustments or ongoing assistance your your studies.
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Trans and gender diverse support
Access specialist support, including for gender affirmation at the University.
Speak Safely
The Speak Safely portal allows you to speak safely about sexual assault, harassment and other forms of inappropriate behaviour to access support, or seek action from your nominated response area.
You have the choice to remain anonymous. The University will take all reasonable steps to respect and protect your anonymity.
Further advice from our Safer Community Program
Our safer community program provides support and advice that can help you recognise and respond to other inappropriate, concerning or threatening behaviours.
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Discrimination
Includes treating someone unfavourably because of a personal characteristic, or imposing a requirement that leads to disadvantages because of a personal characteristic.
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Family/intimate partner violence
Includes harmful or violent behaviour that is used to control, threaten, force or dominate a family member through fear.
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Stalking
Includes person repeatedly following, contacting, or interfering with another person or their property to cause fear, physical or mental harm.
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Bullying
Includes repeated, unreasonable behaviour that creates a risk to your physical or psychological health.
Resources to help you
Discover university resources which are helping to make our community and campuses safer.
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Consent Matters
Access important information on sexual consent, tips for effective communication, and the skills needed to be an active bystander.
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SafeZone app
Download SafeZone to quickly share your location and details with the University Security team.
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Respect education (staff)
Build capability and confidence to call out and respond to sexual misconduct in our community.
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MySafety
Learn about healthy relationships and sexual experiences, and what to do if you are concerned about yourself or a friend.
Take action
As part of your enrolment, you need to complete the Consent Matters e-learning course and pass the quizzes.
Consent Matters provides practical information about sexual consent, tips for effective communication for safe and respectful relationships, and the skills needed as an active bystander to safely intervene in situations where sexual harassment or assault may occur. It also includes lots of advice on support services available at the University of Melbourne.
Our commitments to you
The University of Melbourne is committed to a safe, inclusive and respectful community.
If you have experienced or are experiencing any form of sexual assault or harassment, we need to know. We are here to listen to you, to help you, and to support you.
If you have experienced any behaviours that concern you, you can freely and confidentially report incidents, and access support, advice, information, and other specialist services.
We are here to support you.
Get help, always
Download SafeZone. Quickly share your location and details with the University Security team, who can assist you.