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Understanding and preventing hazing

What is hazing?

Hazing involves activities that humiliate, degrade, abuse, or endanger someone and usually happens when people who join a group or take part in group activities.

Hazing is often mistakenly believed to be part of a tradition or rite of passage, and can result in physical, emotional, and/or psychological stress. Sometimes these impacts are not felt until years after the hazing experience.

The University does not tolerate hazing. The Student Conduct Rule states that “hazing means the ritual initiation and humiliation of individuals within a group regardless of the individuals consent”.

Hazing in the context of Student Living is defined as any act that, as an explicit or implicit condition of joining or participating in a group:

causes, encourages, or compels another person to engage in any activity that could reasonably be perceived as likely to create a risk of physical or psychological distress or harm.
may impact an individual’s well-being, finances, or reputation; negatively influence the culture of a residential community; and/or bring the University into disrepute.

Any individual subjected to hazing does not need to regard or identify the act as such. Further, the fact that an individual does not object to and/or appears willing to participate in the activity, does not indicate that it is not hazing. Lastly, the intention of the person engaging in the hazing behaviour has no bearing on whether the act is classified as hazing or not.

Recognising hazing

To identify is something is hazing, ask yourself:

Would I feel comfortable doing this in front of my family?
Would this be okay if a staff member saw it?
Am I supposed to keep it a secret?
Does it violate any laws or university policies?

The role of power dynamics

Hazing is tied to power dynamics. Seniors control new members and this power imbalance creates pressure. It makes people do harmful things to gain acceptance or avoid rejection. Even if someone consents to hazing, it’s often under duress or fear of exclusion. This makes it harmful and unacceptable.

Why people say "yes"

Belonging is a fundamental human need, especially in a university setting. New members may agree to hazing to feel accepted. They want to be part of the group, even if they are uncomfortable. People usually want to be accepted and fear being ostracised. This can push them to join in activities they wouldn’t do if the group did not suggest them.

The role of alcohol

Many hazing experiences include the use of alcohol and other drugs. Effects of intoxication include lowered inhibitions and impaired decision making. This means that people are unable to provide appropriate consent when intoxicated. Inability to consent while intoxicated applies to sexual activity, as well as many of the activities often associated with hazing.

What hazing can look like

Hazing can take many forms, including:

Forced or excessive consumption of alcohol or drugs – this includes drinking games, ‘lock-ins’,
Humiliating or degrading tasks – such as dancing without music,
Physical harm or discomfort,
Activities that target an individual's identity or personal characteristics,
Coerced personal servitude,
Fatigue and/or denial of rest or study time,
Verbal abuse,
Embarrassing, undignified, or humiliating acts.

Still need help figuring out if it’s hazing or not?

Consider these questions:

Is the activity an educational experience?
Does this activity promote and conform to the ideals and values of the University?
Are alcohol or other drugs involved?
How does this activity help new group members?
Do any activities violate the University’s Code of Conduct or other policies, codes and agreements. This might include the Student Living Occupancy Agreement or the constitution of a club, society or association.

The impact of hazing

Impacts of hazing may be experienced in the moment, requiring security, police or medical assistance. Victims and perpetrators may also experience impacts in the days, weeks, months and years following the experience. Sometimes victims don’t realise the extent of the impact until they have left the group.

Other examples of impacts may include:

On victims
On perpetrators
On the community

On victims

Physical, psychological and/or sexual harm,
Fear to speak up or assert their needs in the community,
Loss of trust and sense of control,
Decline in academic performance and social activities,
Long-term psychological effects.

On perpetrators

Legal and disciplinary consequences,
Damage to reputation,
Feelings of guilt and shame,
Potential long-term impacts on academic progression and employability.

On the community

Erosion of trust and community spirit,
A sense that only certain people belong,
Loneliness and isolation,
Negative media attention,
Long-lasting damage to the group’s reputation.

Learn more

Sexual Harm

Reporting

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.