Content warning: This message contains information about sexual harm and gender-based violence which may be distressing. If you would like to speak with someone for support or information, please contact our Safer Communities Office on +61 8627 6808 or safer-communities.officer@sydney.edu.au, or contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
At the University of Sydney, we have a responsibility to ensure every member of our community is safe, respected and supported.
We all have an unwavering commitment to prevent and respond to any behaviour that endangers others or makes them feel unsafe, including gender-based violence and sexual harm.
Sexual harm and gender-based violence can affect anyone. Understanding what they are, how to respond, and how to access support at any time can help keep our community safe.
What is gender-based violence?
Gender-based violence refers to harmful behaviour linked to a person’s gender, gender identity or gender expression. It can be physical or non-physical and is often driven by power, control, inequality or discrimination.
These behaviours can occur in many settings: on campus, online, social events, accommodation, or off campus. It may involve someone known to them or a complete stranger.
What is sexual harm?
Sexual harm refers to any sexual activity without consent. This can include sexual assault, sexual harassment, voyeurism, or the recording or sharing of intimate images without consent.
Gender-based violence and sexual harm is never OK.
The National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence
The National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence took effect from 1 January 2026. It marks one of the most significant reforms to university safety in Australia’s history.
What is the National Code?
The National Code is a set of legally enforceable Standards and Requirements that all higher education providers must follow to prevent and respond to gender‑based violence and ensure a safe, respectful and supportive environment for all students, staff and members of our community.
In preparation for this legislation, the University consulted with students and staff in October 2025 to develop:
Your responsibility as a University of Sydney student
It is your responsibility to contribute to a University community that is safe, respectful and inclusive.
This includes:
treating others with respect
not engaging in intimidating, harassing or harmful behaviour
understanding your responsibilities as a commencing or continuing student and completing Respect@Sydney 2026 mandatory training to understand expectations around respectful behaviour and support a safe and respectful community
being an ethical bystander and understanding that there is always a safe and compassionate way to respond to problematic or harmful behaviour.
Support and reporting
If you experience or witness sexual harm or gender-based violence, the University is here to support you every step of the way.
You can:
seek support only – to talk things through and access help.
make a disclosure – to inform the University and access support.
make a complaint – if you want the University to take formal action.
Support is available whether or not you decide to make a complaint. You can progress a disclosure to a complaint at any time.
Where to find support
Confidential support and advice are available to students through the Safer Communities Office.
They can help you to:
access case-management support
understand your options
make a disclosure or complaint
find the right services
Safer Communities Office
Monday – Friday 9am - 5pm
+61 8627 6808
safer-communities.officer@sydney.edu.au
(outside hours, students can call 1300 474 065 to access the Mental Wellbeing Support Line)
Please visit the Sexual Harm and Gender-based Violence page on the Current Students website for more information.
Thank you for your commitment to creating a safe Sydney campus.