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If you have experienced domestic or family violence, your personal safety and recovery from the trauma is our first priority. The decisions about whether or not to report the violence, and whether or not to leave, are up to you. There are options to increase safety even while experiencing violence.
To learn what domestic and family violence means and how the University approaches these matters, refer to Understanding domestic and family violence.
If you're unsure what steps you want to take, you can talk to one of our staff in the Safer Communities Office. They are specialist staff members with expertise in providing support to people that have experienced domestic or family violence, including sexual harm and gender-based violence.
You can access free and confidential support in person, by phone or online.
The Safer Communities Office can help you with the following.
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The Student Counselling Service offers free, confidential psychological and mental health services to students.
Counselling is available from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. You can make an appointment through any of the following ways:
If you need support after 5pm (Monday to Friday) or 24 hours on Saturday and Sunday and during University close-down periods and on public holidays, you can connect with the University of Sydney After Hours Mental Wellbeing Support Line:
For specialist counselling related to domestic or family violence, you can also contact the Safer Communities Office.
You are able to request to speak with a Domestic Violence Liaison Officer (DVLO) at your local police station. DVLOs are specially trained in how to deal with domestic and family violence as well as child protection.
These officers do not usually take statements, however are able to help victims through the processes of reporting, applying for apprehended violence orders (AVOs) and the court process.
For more information on AVOs and the role of DVLOs, refer to the NSW Police website.
Staff from the Safer Communities Office can support you with this process if required.
On-campus emergency housing is available if you need a safe space to stay. Contact the Safer Communities Office and they can outline your options and help you access this.
Outside business hours, contact Campus Security on +61 2 9351 3333 to access emergency accommodation. You can also access help with emergency accommodation through your students' representative group.
Independent student organisations at the University also provide additional forms of assistance for students, including support groups, advocacy and safe spaces.
If you're an undergraduate student, you can make a free appointment with an SRC Caseworker. Caseworkers can provide confidential assistance 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.
The SRC also has a number of support groups that represent student interests and can provide you with additional support and resources. Find out more on the SRC website.
To make an appointment, call +61 2 9660 5222 during 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.
If you are a postgraduate student, you can access free, confidential and independent advice from the Postgraduate Advocacy Service. For legal advice and information, you can contact SUPRA Legal Service.
To make an appointment, call +61 2 9351 3715 during 9 am to 5 pm (closed 12-1pm), Monday to Friday or email help@supra.usyd.edu.au. Find out more on the SUPRA website.
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.
The Safer Communities Office can help with a referral to these services or you can contact a service yourself.
For the Aboriginal Family Domestic Violence Hotline, call 1800 019 123.
If someone you know has experienced domestic and family violence, including sexual harm or other forms of gender-based violence, they may express a range of emotional and physical symptoms. The Full Stop Australia website provides information on common impacts of sexual assault.
Responding to and supporting someone who has experienced domestic and family 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.
The 1800RESPECT website has resources and advice on supporting someone.
Supporting someone who has experienced domestic and family 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.
If you're providing support or you’re a first responder, you can:
You can also arrange an appointment with our Student Counselling Service or call the University of Sydney Mental Wellbeing Support Line after 5pm from Monday to Friday, 24 hours on Saturday and Sunday, and during University close-down periods and on public holidays on 1300 474 065 (accessible within Australia) or text 0488 884 429 (for sms chat option).
The Safer Communities Office can help with a referral to these services or you can contact a service yourself.
24/7 telephone service providing counselling and referrals to women experiencing domestic and family violence. The service can assist with safety planning, locating emergency accommodation and information about AVOs.
24/7 national sexual assault, domestic violence telephone and online counselling service.
24/7 telephone and online crisis counselling service for anyone in NSW who has experienced or is at risk of sexual assault, and their non-offending supporters.
For services including counselling and medical assistance, NSW Health has a network of specialist sexual assault services delivered by local health districts. Every local health district has a sexual assault service that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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.
A NSW state-wide organisation providing a range of support services for people of diverse genders, sexes and sexualities, their families and communities.
A telephone and online counselling and referral service for people who are LGBTI.
24/7 national telephone and online counselling service who can also provide crisis support and suicide prevention.
If you are worried about your behaviour or, if someone you care about uses violence and wants to change their behaviour, there is help available. You can read more information and reach out for help on the websites below.
Advice for men about family violence.
MensLine Australia is a telephone and online counselling service offering support for Australian men anywhere, anytime.
