Sexual assault, sexual harassment and crisis support

If you are in immediate danger, or in an emergency situation, call police, ambulance or fire services on 000 (triple zero).

If you are on any of our campuses and need help, you can also call Security:

Make sure you add the Security contact details to your phone so that you can get in touch quickly if you need them.


If you have had an experience of sexual assault or sexual harassment that may not require emergency services, during business hours contact Campus Care on (02) 4921 8600

For crisis support outside office hours (between 5pm and 9am on weekdays, and 24 hours on weekends) contact the out-of-hours crisis support line:

Sexual assault and sexual harassment support

Campus Care supports University of Newcastle students who experience sexual assault and/or sexual harassment.  Campus Care uses a victim/survivor-led approach. What this means is that we will always believe you and that you are always in control of what happens.

Who is Campus Care

Campus Care is a team of two experienced health professionals, Rachael McDermott and Emma Edwards. They have worked for many years supporting victim-survivors of sexual harm. They also have a unique understanding of the needs of our students.  Campus Care will listen to you and help you to find options that are right for you, even if that means doing nothing.  Campus Care will not share anything you tell them without your permission.

What happens when I contact Campus Care?

  • Rachael or Emma will respond to your phone call, email or online report. They will listen and believe you. You will be able to choose how to interact with them. This might be in person in a safe space, over the phone or online.
  • Rachael and Emma will help you understand what options are available to you. They can support you through the options you choose. You can change your mind at any time in the future about what you want to do.
  • You will always be in control and supported to make choices about what you need.
  • Campus Care can connect you to free and confidential services so you don't feel alone. These services can support your health and wellbeing.
  • We can help you get support for your academic needs. This may include flexible options for classes and assessments.
  • Campus Care will also talk with you about feeling safe on campus.

For further information on how reports to the University are managed, please visit our FAQs on Reporting.

Other services to contact may include:

General 24/7 Crisis Helplines

1800RESPECT

1800RESPECT

1800 737 732

1800RESPECT is available for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.

Call 1800RESPECT

Lifeline

Lifeline

11 13 14

A national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

Call Lifeline

Mental Health Line (NSW)

Mental Health Line (NSW)

1800 011 511

The Mental Health Line is a 24/7 NSW phone service that connects people with appropriate mental health services.

Call Mental Health Line

Suicide Call Back Service

Suicide Call Back Service

1300 659 467

Suicide Call Back Service is a national 24/7 telehealth provider that offers free professional phone and online counselling for people living in Australia.

Call Suicide Call Back Service

MensLine

MensLine

1300 78 99 78

MensLine Australia is a 24/7 phone and online counselling service offering support for Australian men anywhere, anytime.

Call MensLine Chat Online

Full Stop Australia

Full Stop Australia

1800 385 578

Full Stop Australia works to end  sexual, domestic or family violence through support, education, and advocacy.

Call Full Stop

QLife

QLife

1800 184 527

QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.

Call QLife Chat Online

Webchat is open 3pm – midnight, every day

13YARN

13YARN

13YARN (13 92 76)

13YARN is an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders crisis support line. Available 24/7. No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn.

Call 13YARN

Other support services at University of Newcastle

Campus Care

Campus Care is an experienced team of health professionals who work to support victim-survivors of sexual harm and other harmful experiences, through confidential, trauma-informed services with a unique understanding of the needs of our students.  They will listen to you and help you to find options that are right for you, even if that means doing nothing.

Phone: (02) 4921 8600
Open Monday - Friday, 9am to 5pm

Call Campus Care

Counselling

We provide a range of free services, including consultations with a Wellbeing Advisor within a day or two, face to face and online counselling appointments

Make an appointment

Health Services

We provide medical centres staffed by doctors and nurses at our Newcastle (Callaghan) and Central Coast (Ourimbah) campuses, book a confidential appointment with a doctor today.

Make an appointment

UON After-hours Crisis Support Line

Phone: 1300 653 007
Text (SMS): 0488 884 165
Operates 5pm to 9am weekdays, 24 hours on weekends and public holidays and university close down periods.

Call Now Text Now

General Medical Support

National Home Doctor Service

Australia’s largest network of home visiting doctors.

Call Now

Services near Newcastle (Callaghan)

All NSW Sexual Assault Centres

​For service locations and contact details, view the NSW Health Sexual Assault Services List

Newcastle Sexual Assault Service

NSW Health has a network of specialist Sexual Assault Services (SAS) delivered by local health districts. Every local health district has a Sexual Assault Service that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. ​For service locations and contact details, view the NSW Health Sexual Assault Services List

Call Now

Services near Central Coast (Ourimbah)

NSW Sexual Assault Centres

​For service locations and contact details, view the NSW Health Sexual Assault Services List

Gosford Sexual Assault Centre

NSW Health has a network of specialist Sexual Assault Services (SAS) delivered by local health districts. Every local health district has a Sexual Assault Service that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Call Now

Services in Sydney

NSW Sexual Assault Centres

​For service locations and contact details, view the NSW Health Sexual Assault Services List

Sydney Women’s Counselling Centre

SWCC provides specialist counselling services, supporting the psychological and emotional well-being of women.

Phone: 02 9718 1955
Email: help@womenscounselling.com.au

Call SWCC Email

Women’s Health Centres NSW

View a list of Women's health centres across NSW here.

Birchtree Centre

The Birchtree Centre offers a range of services to assist individuals experiencing trauma.

Phone: (02) 9518 8719

Contact The Birchtree Centre

Services in Port Macquarie

NSW Health Sexual Assault Centres

​For service locations and contact details, view the NSW Health Sexual Assault Services List