Preventing & responding to gender-based violence at VU

Victoria University acknowledges the victim-survivors of family violence, sexual assault, and all forms of gender-based violence – including our staff, students and community members who have experienced harm. We recognise the courage it takes to share your story and the importance of supporting all members of our community with care, respect and dignity.

As part of our Strategic Plan, Victoria University is committed to preventing and responding to gender-based violence and creating a safe, respectful community for everyone.

Victoria University proudly welcomes the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence (National Code), effective 1 January 2026. This milestone reinforces our unwavering commitment to safety and respect for all members of our community. We aim not only to meet but to exceed the requirements of the National Code, building on VU’s long-standing leadership in cultural change and inclusion.

What is gender-based violence?

The National Code defines gender-based violence as ‘any form of physical or non-physical violence or abuse by a person that is underpinned by gender-based power inequalities, rigid gender norms and gender-based discrimination that results in, or is likely to result in, harm, coercion, control, fear or deprivation of liberty and autonomy'.

Gender-based violence can be constituted by a single act, omission or circumstance or a combination or pattern of acts, omissions or circumstances over a period of time.

Gender-based violence can take many forms, including (but not limited to):

• physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, social, cultural, spiritual, and financial abuse
• technology-facilitated abuse (such as sharing intimate images without consent) 
• stalking and harassment
• systems abuse (such as using legal or disciplinary processes to intimidate or silence someone, or misusing privacy rules to block legitimate information sharing)
• coercive control (such as patterns of behaviours that create fear and take away someone’s freedom over time) 
• modern slavery, human trafficking, and forced marriage
• harmful practices that put sexual and reproductive health at risk (such as non-consensual removal of protection during sex)
• institutional violence (such as harm caused by policies, practices, or power structures within institutions)
• femicide or homicide.

This definition of gender-based violence was taken from the Department of Education resources about Gender-based violence and higher education. The page also has more information about the causes of gender-based violence and where it can occur. 

The National Code is the higher education sector’s contribution to the national effort to end gender-based violence.

It recognises:

• the unique role higher education providers play in driving the social change needed to address gender-based violence
• the distinct responsibilities providers have in creating safe environments for study, work, social life and accommodation.

The National Code sets seven clear and legally enforceable standards to ensure all higher education providers take consistent, evidence-based action to prevent and respond to gender-based violence and drive enduring change for their broader higher education communities

Find more information about the National Code standards, development and resources.