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.

If you or someone you know is impacted by gender-based violence, help is available.

Where can I go for support?

Queensland Police

Local police can help and provide advice on what to do if you have just been sexually assaulted.

Confidential support on campus

UniSC has dedicated officers who are trained to listen and provide confidential support if you feel you may have been impacted by gender-based violence.

Make an appointment

Contact Safer Communities:
Monday-Friday: 8:30am-4:30pm
Tel: +61 7 5430 1226
Email: safe@usc.edu.au

Other support resources

There are many organisations in our community who are ready to help.

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What if I need support for my behaviours?

There are free community support services available:  

• No to Violence Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491
  The Men’s Referral Service is the national counselling, information and referral service for men looking to change their behaviour. If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s behaviour, call 1300 766 491.

• DVConnect https://www.dvconnect.org/mensline/Mensline 1800 600 636 (QLD 9am – Midnight, 7 days):

• Support for men who are using abuse or experiencing abuse in their intimate partner, ex-partner, or familial relationships.
  Mensline is a free and confidential helpline that assists men to change their abusive behaviours or to access safety from abuse.

• If you identify as non-binary or gender fluid, you can call the helpline (Womensline or Mensline) you feel most comfortable calling. We are here for you. 

What happens if I tell someone at UniSC about my experience?

It is important to know that you can seek support and tell us about an incident without making a formal complaint.

Learn more about what you can expect if you make a report at UniSC.

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.

Reporting a sexual assault to Police

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What is consent?

Consent is when you say “yes” 

It is an enthusiastic, voluntary and intentional “YES”.

Consent is all about communication. It is when you and your partner both freely agree to engage in any sexual activity.

The best way to know if you have the consent of the other person is to ASK them and check in with them throughout the activity to make sure they are okay and still providing you consent.

You can change your mind or withdraw consent at any time.

Lack of informed consent

You cannot provide consent if you are not considered to have capacity to provide consent.

Someone is unable to provide consent if:

• They are influenced by drugs or alcohol
• They are too fearful to say no
• They are being threatened or coerced
• They are being tricked or deceived
• They are being forced physically
• There is a power imbalance and
• They are impacted by a health or medical condition which does not allow them to understand the sexual behaviour exhibited towards them
• They are asleep or unconscious

Consent resources

In this short video, Monash University students clearly explain the topic of consent. 

More consent resources

Forms of gender-based violence 

Sexual assault

Sexual assault occurs if you have been tricked, coerced, or forced into any kind of sexual activity that you did not want or without your consent.

Sexual assault includes:

• Inappropriate touching without consent
• Forcing someone to perform a sexual act
• Forcing someone to see a sexual act including the use of electronic media
• Sexual behaviour to which a person has not agreed

Sexual assault can be carried out by anyone. It does not matter if you are in a relationship with the person, whether they are a friend, family member, previous sexual partner or a stranger.

If you believe you have experienced sexual assault you may feel confused or overwhelmed – this is really normal, and we are here to support you.

Advice on how sexual assault survivors can share their story with people they trust.

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Sexual harassment

Sexual harassment is any unsolicited, unwelcome and unreciprocated behaviour, act or conduct of a sexual nature that embarrasses, humiliates or offends other persons. It can be a single incident or a persistent pattern and can range from subtle behaviour to explicit demands for sexual activity or even criminal assault.

Some examples of sexual harassment include:

• inappropriate jokes or comments with sexual connotations,
• the display of offensive material,
• stares and leers or offensive hand or body gestures,
• comments and questions about another person's sexual conduct and/or private relationships,
• persistent unwelcome invitations,
• requests for sexual favours,
• offensive written, telephone or electronic mail or other computer system communications,
• unnecessary close physical proximity including persistently following a person,
• unwelcome physical contact such as brushing against or touching a person,
• denigrating comments regarding a person's gender or sexual preference, or
• negative behaviours, for example, intimidation or exclusions related to the sex of the recipient.

If you have experienced any kind of harassment, you may have a lot of questions. Trusted help is available to help you decide what to do next.

Domestic and family violence

Means when one person in a relationship uses violence, abuse or controlling behaviour to maintain power and control of the other person.   It includes behaviour or pattern of behaviour that is physically, sexually, emotionally, psychologically, spiritually/culturally or economically abusive, threatening, coercive or aimed at controlling or dominating a person through fear. In Queensland domestic and family violence laws cover people in current or previous romantic relationships, family relationships, and informal care relationships.  

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Coercive control

A pattern of behaviour intended to dominate, isolate, intimidate or regulate another person’s everyday life. Examples include monitoring communication, restricting finances, threats, or isolating someone from support networks.

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Technology-facilitated abuse 

Using digital platforms or technologies to harm, control or monitor a person. Examples include online stalking, tracking through devices, sharing intimate images without consent, or harassment via social media.

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Stalking

Repeated or persistent behaviour that causes fear, distress or concern for safety. Examples include unwanted contact, following someone, repeated messages, or online surveillance.

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Emotional or psychological abuse

Behaviour that undermines a person’s confidence, safety or autonomy. Examples include humiliation, intimidation, threats, manipulation or isolation.

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Financial abuse

Controlling or limiting a person’s access to money or economic independence. Examples include withholding money, forcing debt, or preventing employment or study.

Cultural or spiritual abuse

Using cultural, spiritual or religious beliefs or practices to control, shame or harm. Examples include preventing connection to culture or Country, misusing authority, or threatening exclusion from community.

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Harassment or bullying related to gender, sexuality, identity or expression

Behaviour that demeans, intimidates or targets a person because of who they are. Examples include misgendering, slurs, exclusion or persistent bullying. 

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More information

Contact Safer Communities
Tel: +61 7 5430 1226
Email safe@usc.edu.au or studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au

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