The University encourages people to report experiences of gender‑based violence, harmful or concerning behaviour so they can receive support, and appropriate action can be taken.

Gender-based violence is any action that harms, controls, or scares someone because of their gender, ranging from online harassment, intimidation, stalking or physical and sexual violence. UniSC is committed to creating a safe and respectful environment for everyone, and gender-based violence is not tolerated in our community.

What to expect when you contact UniSC about your concern

The University will assist students to navigate its policies and procedures to achieve their desired outcome, where possible, as described in the Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment and Respectful Relationships (Students) – Procedures.

Disclosure: This is when you tell the university about your concerns to seek support, identify safety needs, or receive information about options, without requesting that the university begin a formal investigation or misconduct process.

Formal report: This is when you tell the university about your experience.  This means that you are asking the university to take formal action in response to Gender-based violence. This may lead to an institutional investigation, student or staff conduct process, or referral to another authority (e.g., police).  You don’t have to decide on your formal reporting options right away.

When you tell UniSC about an experience of Gender-based violence, we will arrange for you to speak with the confidential support service, Safer Communities.  

A Safer Communities Advisor will:  

• Assist with immediate safety, health and wellbeing needs. 
• Talk to you about your concerns. You do not have to provide any information or details that you do not feel comfortable sharing. 
• Discuss any immediate support you need, including safety arrangements on and off campus, academic adjustments and access to free and confidential counselling.
• Talk to you about what you would like to happen next. 
• Ensure that you do not need to repeat your story to multiple staff members. 
• Explain your options for resolution, including the option to make a formal report.
• Support you to report the matter to police or external bodies if you would like to. 

When is the University required to speak to the police or undertake an action?

In exceptional circumstances, the University may need to speak to an external agency about an alleged crime or take action without your prior consent (e.g. a child is at risk, or where there is a serious or imminent risk to the safety of another person). 

When UniSC can take action

UniSC will take action and respond to formal reports of gender-based violence when it:

• occurs during University activities (including classes, online learning, fieldwork, placements, WIL, research, residences, University-run events, and digital platforms)
• occurs in third-party or placement settings linked to UniSC
• happens outside campus but involves staff or students whose relationship exists because of UniSC
• creates a current safety risk for anyone in a UniSC learning or work environment

UniSC will provide support, referrals to specialist service and academic adjustments if you report experiences of gender-based violence that occur outside University settings or without a direct connection to UniSC

What happens if I make a formal report to UniSC?

If you would like the university to take formal action taken against the respondent (the person accused), a formal report is required.  

The Safer Communities team will support you with the reporting process. We understand making a formal report can be difficult or overwhelming. We will work with you throughout the process to ensure you feel safe and supported. 

(Please note: you do not need to make a formal report to be provided with adjustments, confidential support and counselling, or safety planning). 

When you make a formal report:

• You will be asked to complete a statement about your experience. We can support you with this, but it must be in your words. We understand that this can be difficult and will do everything we can to ensure you don’t have to repeat your story. 
• Your complaint will be provided to the Office of the Deputy-Vice Chancellor (Academic), where a decision will be made about the best way to manage your complaint.  
• If the complaint is about a staff member, the UniSC People and Culture team is required to manage it, and the information will be provided to a senior member of the People and Culture team. 

Once the complaint has been received by UniSC:

• You will be provided with support and updated throughout the process.
• An initial review of the matter will take place within 10 business days of receiving the complaint.
• The Deputy-Vice Chancellor (Academic) will determine if an investigation should take place under the Student Misconduct Procedures.
• If the matter relates to a staff member it will be managed as per the UniSC Staff Code of Conduct and Enterprise Agreement.
• The respondent will be given opportunity to respond to the allegation/s.
• The student who has been accused of misconduct will be invited to attend an interview, they are not obligated to attend.
• You may be asked to participate in an interview if further information is required. You can be accompanied at the interview by a support person.
• If the matter is heard at a General Misconduct Panel hearing. The respondent will have the opportunity to ask questions (through the Chairperson*), these might be directed towards you. You have the option to attend in person. If you do not attend in person, you will be required to respond to any questions.
• Once the necessary information has been gathered and considered, you will be provided with the outcome.
• If the respondent is a student, and they are found to have engaged in misconduct, the University can apply educational or remedial actions, or impose penalties as per Section 6 of the Student Misconduct Procedures.
• If the accused is a staff member and they are found to have engaged in misconduct, the University can undertake disciplinary action as per Section 5.7 of the Enterprise Agreement.

If you would like more information or support to understand this process, you can contact Safer Communities to have a confidential conversation.

*Questions asked "through the Chairperson" means that the question being asked will be considered, and if the question is inappropriate or does not relate to the matters being discussed, the Chairperson will not ask that question. This process is in place to protect the complainant and to ensure the tone and intent of questions asked are in the spirit of the purpose of the hearing.

Report an incident Access support 

Reporting to Police

You can make a report directly to police, who can help and provide advice on:

• Reporting a sexual assault to Police
• What to do if you have just been sexually assaulted
• Domestic violence
• Unlawful stalking, intimidation, harassment and abuse 

If you would prefer to tell police about a sexual assault, but do not want them to investigate it or provide a formal statement, you can use the Alternative Reporting Options online form. By choosing this option, your information may be able to help other people in similar situations and could help police with other investigations. You can also remain anonymous by using this option.

What happens if I make a report to Police?

If you choose to report concerns to the Police, UniSC can support you through the process. 

This may include making arrangements to meet police on campus or requesting a female officer or an interpreter.

You can make a report about a recent incident, or something that happened some time ago – there are no time limitations on reporting your concerns.

When you first talk to Police about your concerns it does not mean that you are making a complaint that will be investigated.

It is your choice if you would like this to happen or not.

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