Sexual assault and/or harassment

Sexual harassment

Sexual harassment is any unsolicited, unwelcome and unreciprocated behaviour, act or conduct of a sexual nature that embarrasses, humiliates or offends another person. It can be a single incident or repeated incidents.

This may include:

• unwelcome touch, staring or leering
• making suggestive comments or jokes
• displaying sexually explicit pictures, posters or videos
• making sexual gestures or suggestive body movements
• an unwanted invitation to go on a date or to have sex
• asking intrusive questions about a person's private life or body
• requests for sexual favours
• unwelcome physical contact, such as brushing against or touching a person
• unwelcome comments regarding a person's gender or sexual preference
• sending sexually explicit emails or messages.

Sexual harassment is unlawful no matter where it happens, including in educational settings.

Sexual assault

Sexual assault is forcing, pressuring or tricking someone into 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 view a sexual act
• any sexual behaviour to which a person has not given consent or who does not have the capacity to consent.

Wellbeing support is available for anyone impacted by sexual harassment ot sexual assault.

Consent means checking in and making sure everyone is comfortable and saying yes, enthusiastically and clearly, before anything sexual happens.

It’s not a one-time thing; it should happen every time.

Consent must be:

• a clear and excited yes
• given freely - without pressure or fear
• from someone sober, aware, and legally old enough
• never assumed - silence or "maybe" isn’t yes

• “Are you okay with this?”
• “Want me to keep going?”
• “We can stop or change things anytime, just let me know.”

If you happen to hear a no for sex or flirty conversations, it can be disappointing. It’s up to you to respectfully accept someone's no. Nobody owes you an explanation for their no and it is not about your worth as a person. It is about the other person's wants and needs. You can respond with:

• “No worries.”
• “Thanks for telling me.”
• “I respect that.”

You can seek support for yourself and report your experience to UniSQ via our online form.

Specially trained and experienced staff from the Safer Communities and Student Wellbeing Teams respond to all reports of sexual violence reported to UniSQ. Your information will remain confidential to these teams.

Safer Communities and Student Wellbeing use a trauma-informed approach and will help you to understand your experience, plan for your safety, seek ongoing specialist support and discuss formal reporting options.

You can also seek support, information, and advice from specialist sexual violence support services. There are lots of different services across Australia, contact 1800Respect for information about specialist services close to you in your state or territory. Safer Communities can also connect you with a local specialist support service.

For culturally safe support contact 13 YARN.

For those who have experienced sexual assault or sexual harassment, the right support can make a significant difference in their recovery and connection to specialist services.

How you respond matters.

Start by Believing

When someone shares that they’ve experienced sexual violence:

Believe them

What to say - Start by Believing.

Say things like:

• “I believe you.”
• “It took a lot of courage to tell me this—thank you.”
• “I’m sorry this happened. I’m here to listen and help however I can.”

Ensure their safety

• If you're not physically with them, ask: “Are you safe right now?”
• If they are not safe, help them call 000.

Offer comfort respectfully

• Ask if they want another trusted person with them.
• Check if they feel comfortable with you (consider gender, age, cultural safety).
• Always ask before touching, even to offer comfort.

Avoid ‘why’ questions.

These can feel blaming or judgmental.

Encourage connection to support

Supporting someone can be complex. Encourage them to connect with professional support, and seek support for yourself too.

You can offer to call or visit services with them:

• 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
• 13 YARN: 13 92 76 (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
• UniSQ Safer Communities: 07 4631 2372

Let them know:

• They don’t have to make a formal report to access support.
• If the incident was recent, they may wish to see a GP or contact Safer Communities for advice on medical care or forensic options.

Plan for Safety

Helping someone plan for their ongoing safety can support their recovery.

• Visit and explore 1800RESPECT’s safety planning resources.
• Encourage connection with UniSQ Safer Communities to create a safety plan.
• If the person is a UniSQ employee, they can contact People Portfolio for workplace safety planning.
• Connect with the UniSQ Security Team.
• Install the SafeZone app and log in using your UniSQ email and password.

Being accused of sexual assault or sexual harassment can be tough. People often feel isolated, alienated, and unable to speak to trusted family or friends. Support is available for anyone impacted by accusations of sexual assault or sexual harassment.

UniSQ Counsellors are available to provide free and confidential counselling for any student impacted by sexual assault or harassment, including those who have been accused.

Independent support is available through UniSQ Student Guild for advocacy and information. Particularly where there have been formal complaints made to UniSQ.

There are also external support services available for those who have been accused of sexual assault and sexual harassment:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Mensline: 1300 78 99 78
• 13 YARN: 13 92 76.