What to do

If you or a colleague has experienced sexually based assault or harassment, reaching out for support is important. You do not need to submit a formal report to access services at the university or talk to someone for support.

We take a victim/survivor-led approach to ensure that those who have been impacted by sexual assault and/or harassment may find the support they need, whenever they need it. This is not something that you have to cope with on your own.

Talking to someone

If you, or someone you know, have experienced sexually based assault or harassment, you can talk with a professional and/or someone that you trust to get support, advice or suggestions on what you can do. An experience of sexual assault and sexual harassment is a serious issue that can impact anyone, regardless of their age, race, gender identity, sexual preferences, religious or cultural background.

Knowing who to talk to at work can be difficult and circumstances may dictate your best option. Reaching out for support does not mean that you are making a formal report to the university. We will keep your information confidential and support you to make decisions from and informed place.

In the first instance, you may wish to speak to:

Or by email, contact respectatwork@newcastle.edu.au

There are also various external parties and services that you may wish to access.

Supporting someone

Take the survivor to an appropriate space to hear their disclosure. This means finding a space where the survivor feels comfortable so that you can talk confidentially.

Identify whether there is an immediate threat to the survivor. If you determine there is an immediate danger from the alleged perpetrator or the survivor needs immediate medical attention then contact Security ((02) 49215888) or NSW Police (000).

When someone makes a disclosure about sexual misconduct, the first response is often critical in their recovery and decisions about what to do next. Your role is to assist them to access the services they require and support the decisions that they make.

When listening there are three key messages to give:

  • I believe you.
  • This is not your fault.
  • Let's get you connected with specialised support.

At this stage you can offer to support the survivor to consider their options for reporting and support. It is important to confirm that you believe them and will help them access services that they might need. You may wish to show them this webpage, refer them to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) (for staff) or contact Campus Care (if a student) for advice.

It is possible, if the survivor reports the incident to the police, that the Police may contact you for information disclosed to you by the survivor. It is therefore vital to record details of the conversation rather than rely on your memory alone. It is essential you write everything down, using the survivor’s own words as best you can. It may be insensitive to write while the survivor is talking to you, but it is important to document the conversation as soon as appropriately possible. It is not necessary or advisable to ask details about what happened. This will be done by a trained professional if the survivor choses to make a report.

Discuss the support and reporting options available to the survivor. As a student or a staff member receiving a disclosure, it is important to make sure that the survivor has access to any support services or resources that might be helpful, including information about how to report the matter.

  • Identified report of Sexual Assault or Sexual Harassment - This form requires you to log-in using your staff or student details. You will then be contacted by Campus Care to understand how we can best support you, and guide you through the options available to you through the University, and external services.
  • If you are a member of the public, alumni, or a previously employed staff member and would like to lodge an Identified Report of Sexual Assault or Sexual Harassment, please contact Campus Care directly.
  • Anonymous report of Sexual Assault or Sexual Harassment - This form may be used to lodge a report of sexual assault or sexual harassment. Please note, we are unable to contact you for further information or support if an anonymous report is lodged.  We encourage you to consider an Identified Report so that we may better assist you.
  • Reporting other threatening, concerning or inappropriate behaviours - This form may be used to lodge a report if you have experienced or witnessed an incident of harm, or you have concerns a person may be a danger to you, themselves or others. You may report anonymously.

If someone you are close to experiences or discloses sexually based assault or harassment , this can have a significant impact on you. You may experience vicarious trauma, guilt, anger, or changes in your beliefs about the world.  After you have assisted the person who has experienced the sexual assault, it is important that you have your own strategies and support to make sure that you are OK. If needed, you can call the Rape and Domestic Violence Services Australia 24 hour phone line to debrief or for advice. You can also access the Employee Assistance Program (EAP),  counselling or mental health services via referral from your GP.

Be prepared

We are committed to providing evidence-based training to appropriately respond to a disclosure of sexual assault. All staff are able to access online training for Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence. The four module course is written by a team with specialist experience in responding to sexual violence. It features interactive activities, scenario-based activities, interviews and video role plays with professionals trained in responding to disclosures. You can access this training through the university's Discover training portal.

Contact Campus Care for any special accessibility or language translation need you may have.