Sexual Assault, Harassment and Misconduct

As a staff member of UNSW you have the right to feel safe and secure at all times and to be able to fully participate in all aspects of life on campus. We believe that unwanted sexual attention including harassment, stalking and assault can prevent a staff member from taking part in activities and involvement in the life of the University.

We will support staff who report sexual harassment or sexual assault. There are internal and external options available. You will find some suggestions and resources to assist below.
     
 

We encourage you to use this portal to report a current or past incident of sexual misconduct which has happened to you even if the incident is not associated with UNSW.

You can also report incidents to police as well as reporting through the portal. Alternatively you may prefer to speak in person to a UNSW First Responder support contact.

UNSW First Responders

  • If you prefer to talk to someone about the incident, contact a UNSW First Responder. Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) staff and doctors at the University Health Service can also help you make a report.
  • Keep in mind that you can report past incidents, online incidents, on behalf of someone else and anonymously.
  • Detailed information about reporting an incident is available in these Frequently Asked Questions.

What is: sexual assault

Sexual assault basically refers to any unwanted sexual behaviour which makes a person feel uncomfortable, threatened
or scared. It covers a range of different types of assault including:
  • Rape which is classified as forced, unwanted sex or sexual acts;
  • Child sexual abuse is when any person uses power over a child to involve that child in sexual activity;
  • Indecent assault is any assault that occurs under indecent circumstances.

What is: sexual harassment

Sexual harassment is defined as any form of unwelcome sexual behaviour that is offensive, humiliating or intimidating
and it is against the law. Sexual harassment can include:
  • Unwelcome touching, grabbing or other physical contact
  • Comments that have sexual meanings
  • Asking for sex or sexual favours
  • Leering and staring
  • Displaying rude and offensive material
  • Sexual gestures or body movement
  • Sexual jokes and comments
  • Questions about your sex life
  • Sex based insults
  • Criminal offences such as obscene phone calls, indecent exposure or sexual assault

Other forms of sexual misconduct

Examples of other forms of related misconduct which could involve sexual acts and behaviours involve:
  • domestic and family violence
  • abusive relationships and dating violence
  • stalking
  • technology facilitated abuse
  • hazing / initiation rituals

Emergency contacts and 24/7 counselling

If immediate assistance is required, please use these emergency contacts:

ON campus emergency (24/7)
  • Ph: 9385 6666 for Campus Security (Kensington, Paddington, Coogee, Randwick & NIDA campuses).
OFF campus emergency (24/7)
EXTERNAL Counselling support and advice (24/7)

Prevention by UNSW

What does UNSW do to prevent sexual assault and sexual harassment?

We provide awareness and training sessions to key staff and students at UNSW. We also communicate the expected standards of behaviour as part of the mandatory training for new commencing students at UNSW. We support campaigns aimed at preventing sexual assault and promoting safe and respectful relationships within the UNSW community.