Gendered violence

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

Female student on Kensington campus

We recognise that sexual and gendered violence of all forms is still too prevalent across Australian Universities and a pervasive reality in today's world.

UNSW is making changes and expanding our scope from sexual misconduct to gendered violence. Our purpose is to prevent and respond to gendered violence in our community by implementing the UNSW Stop. Empower. Support Strategy and Action plan 2022-2025.

The content of this website and the Gendered Violence Portal will continue to be updated over the coming months to reflect these changes. We’re also reviewing our Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Policy to include gendered violence. As part of this review process, we will consult with students and staff. If you would like to be involved, please email us at gvprevention@unsw.edu.au.

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 a First Responder.

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

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

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.

Annual Report

UNSW has a responsibility and a unique opportunity to prevent and respond to reports of gendered violence, ensuring the safety of all members of our community. In 2021, UNSW publicly shared the results of its annual report on the prevention of and response to gendered violence. In this way, we hope to bring these crucial issues into the light.

National Student Safety Survey

In 2016, the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) carried out the first ever National Student Survey to understand the nature, prevalence and reporting of sexual assault and sexual harassment at Australian universities. The second survey was conducted in 2021 and results are now available.

Respect@Work Report 2020

The Australian Human Rights Commission examined the nature and prevalence of sexual harassment in Australian workplaces, the drivers of this harassment and measures to address and prevent sexual harassment.

Consent Matters

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.

Stop. Empower. Support.

UNSW recognises the problem of gendered violence in universities and is committed to playing a part in changing this and making UNSW a safer place for all. Through this Strategy UNSW seeks to prevent gendered violence and offer respectful strategies to assist students and staff members when an incident does occur.