Related links
Sexual harm and gender-based violence
The University is committed to keeping our students, staff, and visitors safe. Sexual harm and gender-based violence are never acceptable and will not be tolerated in our community. We recognise our responsibility to create a safe and inclusive environment through prevention, education, and support, and to ensure victim-survivors feel safe and supported in reporting their experiences.
- Sexual harm and gender-based violence
- Sexual health and consent
- Sexual misconduct help and support
Sexual harm and gender-based violence
If you have experienced sexual harm or gender-based violence, your personal safety and recovery from the trauma is our first priority. The decision about whether or not to report the incident/s is up to you. Read on to find information on your options and the support available to you.
Getting support on campus, online or offshore
The Safer Communities Office staff have expertise in providing support to people that have experienced sexual harm or gender-based violence. They can support you in making a report and can work with you to ensure your safety both on and off campus.
They are also able to assist you with access to appropriate support services, including security, counselling and health services, and on-campus emergency accommodation.
Safer Communities Office
-
+61 28627 6808 or 1800 793 457
(option 2, then option 1) - 9 am - 5 pm (Mon - Fri)
- safer-communities.officer@sydney.edu.au
-
In-person appointments available.
Call or email to book.
Mandarin-speaking staff available upon request.
Find out more about how we can support you.
If you're in immediate danger
- Always call 000 if you need urgent medical assistance or help.
- Notify campus security on 9351 3333. Available 24/7 to assist with an emergency or safety threat.
What is sexual harm?
Sexual harm means sexual activity without consent and includes:
- sexual assault
- sexual harassment
- voyeurism
- recording or sharing real or fake intimate images without consent.
What is gender-based violence?
Gender based violence is physical or non-physical violence, harassment, abuse or threats, based on gender (including sex, gender, gender identity and gender expression), that results in, or is likely to result in harm, coercion, control, fear or deprivation of liberty or autonomy.
It can include sexual harm, stalking, domestic and family violence, coercive control and modern slavery (including forced marriage).
Inequality and power imbalance provide the underlying social conditions for gender-based violence, which disproportionately affects women, First Nations people, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, people with disability and people of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity. More information about sexual harm and gender-based violence is available in the University’s Sexual Harm and Gender-based Violence Prevention and Response Policy.
When someone you know has experienced sexual harm or gender-based violence
If someone you know has experienced sexual harm (including sexual assault or sexual harassment) or gender-based violence, they may express a range of emotional and physical responses. The 1800RESPECT website provides information on common impacts of sexual assault and sexual harassment.
Responding to and supporting someone who has experienced sexual harm or gender-based violence can be challenging, but chances are they have come to you because they trust you. They are the one who should determine what steps and supports are best for them, including if they want to report the incident to the University and/or the police. You can help them access the support services and resources they need.
You can provide support by:
- being a good listener and letting them know that you believe them
- letting them express how they feel and respecting the words they use about the incident
- letting them know that the incident was not their fault
- respecting their decisions
- directing them to available support services both within and external to the University.
Support for you
Supporting someone who has experienced sexual harm or gender-based violence can be overwhelming and may have a significant impact on you as first responder. It’s important to also take steps to look after yourself and get the support you need.
- Call the National Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, which is a 24-hour phone line for support and advice.
- Contact Full Stop Australia on 1800 FULL STOP (1800 385 578) or fullstop.org.au/get-help, 24 hours a day.
- Arrange an appointment with our Student Counselling Service (for current students) or Counselling, Coaching and Support (for current staff and affiliates).
- You can also call the University of Sydney After Hours Mental Wellbeing Support Line on 1300 474 065 (accessible within Australia) or text 0488 884 429 (for SMS chat option). It is available 5 pm to 9 am from Monday to Friday, 24 hours on Saturday and Sunday, and during University close-down periods and on public holidays.
Last updated: 12 February 2026