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To learn what sexual harm and gender-based violence means and how the University approaches these matters, refer to Understanding sexual harm and gender-based violence.
The Safer Communities Office Case Officers provide trauma-informed case management to people that have experienced sexual harm, gender-based violence, domestic and family violence, bullying, harassment and issues related to modern slavery.
You can access free and confidential support in person, by phone or online by contacting the Safer Communities Office.
Safer Communities partners with the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH) Sexual Assault Counselling Service to give priority counselling to any student who’s experienced sexual assault.
Sessions are confidential and completely free.
If you need help now:
If you'd like to schedule a phone or in-person visit, make an appointment through Safer Communities. Appointments are available every Thursday and Friday during the semester, and fortnightly outside of the semester.
Interpreter services are also available upon request.
You can also arrange an appointment with the Student Counselling Service for individual therapy or group workshops and programs with other students.
To talk to someone outside of the University, call Full Stop Australia on 1800 FULL STOP (1800 385 578). They offer 24/7 trauma-informed support, including online counselling.
There are other counselling and support services that are available external to the University, if you’d like.
If you’re in Australia, access after hours support by calling 1300 474 065 or by texting 0488 884 429 outside of office hours (5 pm to 9 am weekdays, 24 hours a day on weekends and public holidays).
The service provides free and confidential wellbeing support and advice to help you navigate difficult experiences, explore coping strategies and connect you with longer-term support if you wish.
You can choose to make a report to the University and/or Police about an incident of sexual harm or gender-based violence. The Safer Communities Office can also provide support and assist you in making a report if you choose to do so.
If you have serious injuries, please call 000 for emergency medical support.
If you’ve been sexually assaulted, you may need medical care. A doctor can test and treat you for any sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and provide advice and referrals to other health services.
You may also choose to have a forensic examination if the assault occurred within the past 5 days. This can help preserve evidence should you decide to report the incident to Police. You can have this done “just in case” and you do not need to decide at the time whether or not you want to report to the police.
Find your closest sexual health service on the NSW Government’s Health website or contact the University Health Service.
For information on accessing forensic exams, you can contact the Royal Prince Alfred (RPA) Hospital Sexual Assault Service for 24/7 medical services:
You can also contact your local sexual assault service.
On-campus emergency accommodation is available if you need a safe space to stay.
You can contact the Safer Communities Office from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (Sydney local time) to have a confidential chat about your options.
For after hours or all-day support, contact Campus Security on +61 2 9351 3333.
You can also reach out to your student representative organisation for help.
It is your choice if you wish to report an incident to the Police and/or the University. If you’d like to proceed with making a report and need assistance, the Safer Communities Office can help.
Independent student organisations at the University provide additional assistance for students, including support groups, advocacy and safe spaces.
If you’re an undergraduate student, you can make a free appointment with a caseworker at the Student Representative Council (SRC). Caseworkers can provide confidential help and support with student welfare issues.
The SRC also employs solicitors that can assist undergraduate students with legal matters free of charge, including advice and representation.
To make an appointment, call +61 2 9660 5222 between 9am to 5pm (Sydney local time) Monday to Friday.
If you are a postgraduate student you can access free, confidential and independent advice from the Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association (SUPRA).
To make an appointment:
For legal advice and information, you can contact SUPRA Legal Service.
All support services provided by the University are LGBTQIA+ inclusive. You can find out more about LGBTQIA+ support and advocacy on campus by visiting the Pride Network.
If someone you know has experienced sexual harm or gender-based violence (including sexual assault or sexual harassment), they may experience and express a range of emotional and physical responses.
Full Stop Australia provides counselling services via phone, online and face-to-face for people impacted by sexual, domestic and family violence, and information on how to support someone in this situation.
Responding to and supporting someone who has experienced sexual harm or gender-based violence can be challenging, but it's likely that they have come to you because they trust you.
It is their choice to determine what steps and support they need, including reporting the incident to the University and/or the Police.
You can provide support by:
Supporting someone who has experienced sexual harm or gender-based violence can be overwhelming and may have a significant impact on you.
It’s important to also take steps to look after yourself and get the support you need.
You can contact the Safer Communities Office from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (Sydney local time) to have a confidential conversation and access support services.
If you’re in Australia, you can also access after hours support by calling 1300 474 065 or by texting 0488 884 429 outside of office hours (5 pm to 9 am weekdays, 24 hours a day on weekends and public holidays).
You can also access support outside of the University.
24/7 counselling (online or by phone) for anyone in NSW who has experienced or is at risk of gender-based violence, and their non-offending supporters.
24/7 telephone service providing counselling and referrals to women experiencing domestic and family violence.
24/7 national telephone and online counselling service who can also provide crisis support and suicide prevention.
An LGBTQIA+ health promotion organisation focusing on LGBTQIA+ sexual health, HIV prevention and HIV support.
A telephone and online counselling and referral service for people who identify as LGBTQIA+.
24/7 telephone service providing information and referral to specialist homelessness services, temporary accommodation and other appropriate services for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
If you’re unsure what steps you want to take, you can talk to the Safer Communities Office, whose staff are experienced in providing support to people that have experienced sexual harm and gender-based violence. They can help with your safety and your needs.
