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Transformation, Planning & Assurance Safety

Gendered violence

Sexual and gendered violence of all forms is a pervasive reality in today's world.

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Report gendered violence

Gendered violence is an inclusive term that spans hazing, dating violence, domestic and family violence, sexualised and racialised bullying, sexual misconduct, including sex-based discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual assault. Gendered violence includes any type of harm that is perpetrated against a person or group of people because of their actual or perceived sex, gender, sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

Gendered violence in all its forms is a pervasive reality in today's world and students and staff can be affected.

When we talk about Gendered Violence, we mean UNSW recognises gendered violence of all forms is still too prevalent across Australian Universities.

There is no place for gendered violence at UNSW. UNSW seeks to prevent and respond to gendered violence in the UNSW community by implementing the UNSW Stop. Empower. Support Strategy and Action plan 2022-2025.

We are here to help! If you or someone you know is affected by gendered violence (including sexual misconduct), please make a report using the Gendered Violence Portal or speak to someone you feel safe with.
Affected by gendered violence?

Behaviour that amounts to sexual assault or sexual harassment is not accepted at UNSW. If you are a student or staff who has been affected by gendered violence, here is information about the support and reporting options available inside and outside of UNSW.

FAQs on making a report

While there is increased conversation about gendered violence many of us don’t know how it occurs, what to do if it does, and how we can prevent it. Here are answers to some common questions.

Support

Find the right person or service to give you the support and advice you need. There are many people and services who can help you along the path to recovery from experiences of sexual harassment and sexual assault. If you are not sure what to do - you can talk to someone from one of the many free services available.

Consent explained
Consent matters, each and every time. Everyone, no matter who they are, or where they come from, has the right to be respected and have autonomy over their bodies. That’s why UNSW is committed to creating a safe and respectful environment for everybody.

Speak to someone

UNSW First Responders are students and staff who are trained to offer you confidential support. They understand that reporting gendered violence can be difficult and will provide you with guidance and support. Should you choose to make a formal report, a UNSW First Responder can help you or they can complete the report on your behalf. 

Find a First Responder
Gendered violence strategy grants

Small grant, big impact: Supporting gendered violence prevention efforts at UNSW

Resources

Resources for Safer Communities at UNSW.

Consent Conversations with Chanel Contos

Four UNSW students had the opportunity to discuss consent with Chanel Contos, founder of “Teach Us Consent” and author of “Consent Laid Bare”.

You can watch the full discussion or choose bits that interest you from the short excerpts here.

Content context: This discussion talks about consent, perpetrators of sexual violence, and sexual assault. If you would like to get some support after watching, you can talk to someone who is trained to help.

UNSW students can connect with on campus support .

What is sexual misconduct?

  • UNSW is committed to its values in action and its call for us to embrace diversity and display respect in all our interactions with one another. This is reinforced in our student and staff codes of conduct. As a student or staff member of UNSW you have the right to feel safe and secure at all times on campus and to fully participate in all aspects of university life. At UNSW we do not tolerate harmful behaviours including bullying harassment and sexual misconduct and assault. The university is committed to preventing all such behaviour and supporting those who've been harmed by this conduct.

    This video will clarify behaviour associated with commonly used terms relating to sexual misconduct. We will be defining sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, sexual touching, sexual acts and sexual assault. Sexual misconduct is the umbrella term that describes unacceptable behaviour of a sexual nature. Sexual misconduct includes every type of sexually inappropriate behaviour from sending unwanted explicit images and unwanted sexual advances to sexual harassment. Sexual assault and revenge porn any act of sexual misconduct occurring in university settings will always involve a breach of UNSW's codes of conduct.

    Sexual harassment involves any unwelcome sexual behaviour towards another person when it can reasonably be expected that the person would feel intimidated humiliated or upset by the behaviour. Examples of sexual harassment include suggestive comments or jokes, intrusive questions about private life or physical appearance and repeated requests for dates or pressure to have sex. Inappropriate physical contact such as unwelcome touch, hugging or kissing someone without their consent. Intimidating or threatening behaviours like inappropriate staring or leering, sexual gestures, indecent exposure or being followed or watched. Some of these behaviours are also crimes. Displaying or being given materials that are sexually explicit or offensive, stalking is an intimidation which may occur through phone calls texting emailing or physical following. Sexual touch involves unwelcome sexual contact. Tt includes touching any part of a person's body, even through clothes. An example is being groped on the backside by someone as you walk past them. This is a crime in New South Wales.

    A sexual act is when a person does something of a sexual nature towards someone without their consent that does not involve touch. For example masturbating in front of another person or flashing. This is also a crime in New South Wales. Sexual assault is when a person is forced coerced or tricked into sexual acts against their will or without their consent, or if a child or young person under 18 is exposed to sexual activities. It is the most serious type of sexual misconduct and often involves the unwanted penetration of some part of a person's body.

    Non-consensual penetration is always illegal and a person cannot give consent if they are intoxicated asleep or in any way coerced. The UNSW community supports affirmative consent which means we should all ensure that we have an enthusiastic yes from the other person, rather than the absence of a no before engaging in sexual activity and remember everyone has a right to change their mind about sex at any time. Sexual misconduct can happen to people of all ages genders and sexualities within or outside of a relationship.

    The portal allows anyone to report an incident of sexual misconduct including sexual assault or harassment. Whether you've been directly affected, are a witness to an incident or a support person. Reports can be made anonymously and will remain confidential unless specifically stated by the person reporting sexual misconduct can also be reported to the police at any time. Sexual misconduct is an abuse of power and it is never the fault of the person who is subjected to it. This behavior is always unacceptable and should always be reported so that UNSW and the society it exists within can be a safe and equitable place for all.

This video will clarify the behaviour associated with commonly used terms relating to sexual misconduct. We will be defining sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, sexual touching, sexual acts and sexual assault.

Content warning: viewers should be advised that this video refers to sexual misconduct and legal terminology related to sexual misconduct.