Sexual assault, sexual harassment and crisis support
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
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.
Lifeline
11 13 14
A national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
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.
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.
MensLine
1300 78 99 78
MensLine Australia is a 24/7 phone and online counselling service offering support for Australian men anywhere, anytime.
Full Stop Australia
1800 385 578
Full Stop Australia works to end sexual, domestic or family violence through support, education, and advocacy.
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.
Webchat is open 3pm – midnight, every day
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.
Other support services at University of Newcastle
General Medical Support
Services near Newcastle (Callaghan)
Services near Central Coast (Ourimbah)
Services in Sydney
Services in Port Macquarie
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.