Sexual assault & harassment

Download:

• Sexual assault & harassment - What to do.
• Sexual assault & harassment fact sheet.

Immediate assistance

If you, or someone you know, is unsafe or needs immediate assistance, call for help as soon as you can.

• On campus – Security 9919 6666 (24/7).
• Off campus – Police & Ambulance 000 (triple zero).

Physical evidence - You may have physical evidence on you (such as hair, saliva, or semen), it is important to maintain evidence where possible.

Medical attention - You should see a medical professional to treat any injuries, and screen for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy.

Reporting

Report your concerns or an incident of sexual assault or harassment. You will receive confidential advice and assistance about your options, as well as referrals to support services.

If you feel uncomfortable reporting, talk to a trusted friend or family member. Ask them to help you make contact or to come with you to report.

Off campus

• Victoria Police, Sexual Offence and Child Abuse Investigation Teams (SOCIT) find online at police.vic.gov.au.

On campus

• Safer Community 9919 5707 or safer.community@vu.edu.au.
• Security 9919 4999 (24/7) or security.centre@vu.edu.au.

Reporting to the University

Control over your report

When you report to the University you have control over the action we take. We will not take any action without your knowledge.

Anonymous reports to the University

When possible to contact you, we will provide advice about your options and referrals to support services. However, the University's ability to respond will be limited.

Seek advice and support

Seek free and confidential counselling support.

Sexual assault and harassment can traumatic, so your usual coping mechanisms may be affected. Normal and common reactions may feel strange or uncomfortable. Counselling support can assist you to manage these impacts.

If you feel uncomfortable seeking professional support, talk to a trusted friend or family member and ask them to help you contact a support service.

On campus

• Student Counselling 9919 5400
• Staff EAP 1300 327 288 (24/7)

Off campus

• Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA) 9635 3610 (business hours) or 1800 806 292 (after hours).
• National University Support Line (Universities Australia) 1800 572 224 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week, until 30 November 2017).

Respect.Now.Always. - what is consent?

Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. VU is committed to eliminating sexual assault and harassment through education.

Do you know the difference between consensual sex and rape or sexual assault? How can you tell if your partner is consenting? And what if you’re not sure?

Watch the video to find out more about consent.

Who is sexually assaulted?

• 1 in 3 women over 15
• 1 in 20 men over 15

Who perpetrates sexual assault?

• 9 out of 10 are men
• 75% are known to the victim, e.g. family, friends or colleagues

Where do sexual assaults occur?

• 63% at the home of the victim, perpetrator or a known person
• 18% in a public area

What is the impact of sexual assault?

More likely to suffer

• 26 times drug abuse
• 13 times alcohol abuse
• 6 times post-traumatic stress
• 4 times contemplate suicide
• 3 times depression
• 1 in 10 victims are injured in a sexual assault.

What are the outcomes of sexual assault?

• 15% of victims report to police
• 1 in 10 perpetrators in convicted

Large infographic: sexual assault statistics

Developed by Safer Community, Victoria University.

Sources: AIC, 2003; CASA, 2016; WHO, 2002.