UniSC is committed to creating a safe and respectful environment for everyone, and Gender-based violence is not tolerated in our community.

Gender-based violence is any form of physical or non-physical violence, harassment, abuse or threats based on gender that result in, or are likely to result in, harm, coercion, control, fear or deprivation of liberty or autonomy. Gender-based violence includes, but is not limited to, sexual violence, family and intimate partner violence, technology-facilitated abuse, coercive control, dating violence and sexual harassment.

Gender-based violence is predominantly experienced by women and gender-diverse or LGBTIQA+ people, though it can affect people of all genders. It can also occur alongside other forms of discrimination or abuse, including racism or ableism.

Where can I go for support?

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 available Monday-Friday: 8.30am-4.30pm.

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.

• DVConnect 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.. 

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

When UniSC can provide support

Some experiences of gender-based violence may occur outside university settings or without a direct connection to UniSC. In these circumstances, UniSC may not be able to formally investigate or take disciplinary action, however, UniSC will still:

• provide trauma-informed support
• assist with referrals to external specialist services
• offer reasonable study or workplace adjustments where appropriate

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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.

Watch the video below for 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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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
• 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. 

As part of UniSC's commitment to safe and respectful campuses, we created Stand Against Sexual Violence – a powerful video featuring students that amplifies our message of prevention and change.

More information

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

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