Threatening behaviour

Maintain respect for others at all times

You cannot behave differently online than how you’d be expected to behave in person. Just as you can't bully, harass, sexually harass, discriminate against, stalk, groom, vilify or abuse someone in a face-to-face environment, you can-t do these things online either.

When you interact with others online as a VU student, as well as generally behaving respectfully and appropriately at all times, there are some specific things you must avoid.

You must not share content, use language or make comments that:

• are inappropriately sexual in nature (this includes the sharing of nude or partially nude images, either of yourself or someone else, or engaging in sexting in a University online environment)
• are discriminatory or offensive (e.g. using slurs, or insulting or belittling words, to refer to people with particular characteristics, such as ethnic origin, gender, sexuality or disability)
• make threats or attempt to pressure someone else through fear or intimidation, for any reason whatsoever
• depict or refer to illegal or violent acts (unless this is in the context of relevant learning, and any image shared has been approved by teaching staff)
• are illegal to share (e.g. images depicting the sexual abuse of children).

Consider the consequences to yourself & others

It's important to remember than anything you post online could be visible to friends, family, colleagues, VU, and future employers.

Your old and/or deleted posts can still be found on the internet, and may affect you in the future.

Potential employers increasingly look at online activity in making hiring decisions. Poor behaviour online can limit your chances of getting the work you want, especially in a field where public confidence and reputation are important.

Follow the rules & obey the law

All online platforms have rules for users. You are expected to comply with those rules, whether it's a VU-run platform or not, whenever you're engaging in online learning or VU related activities as a VU student.

It's also important to be mindful at all times of particular areas of the law that online conduct can be impacted by, especially:

• Privacy: You must not breach other people’s privacy through sharing personal or sensitive information without their consent, whether in a VU learning environment, social media, or any other online context. This includes information about other students, VU staff, and anyone you come into contact with via a work integrated learning placement (e.g. patients for healthcare students; primary or secondary school students and staff for education students).
• Libel and defamation: “Naming and shaming” or accusing someone online can in some circumstances be considered defamatory/libellous, and action can be taken against you.

VU's Learning and Teaching Quality and Standards – Minimum Standards for Online Presence Procedure explicitly states that serious cases of inappropriate behaviour, such as online harassment and bullying, will attract formal action under VU’s:

• Student Conduct Policy
• Student Charter
• Gender-based Violence Policy 
• Discrimination and Harassment Prevention and Management Policy
• Bullying Prevention and Management Policy
• Student Misconduct Regulations.

Through these processes you may receive warnings, be excluded from particular classes or activities, or be asked to make an apology to people affected by your conduct. In serious or repeated cases of substantiated inappropriate online conduct, you may even be expelled from VU.

Aside from the consequences that VU can impose, you may suffer very serious professional, legal or even criminal consequences for what you do and say online.

If you are studying a professionally accredited course or hold professional accreditation, VU may need to report your conduct to a professional regulator. This can negatively impact your ability to seek admission into your chosen profession or continue working in your profession. 

Engaging in unacceptable behaviour online may also affect your ability to work with children and young people under the age of 18, especially if the conduct was sexual in nature. VU may be legally obliged to report your behaviours to various authorities

You may be sued for defamation or breach of copyright if you have posted material that gives rise to these actions.

If you have engaged in conduct that may result in a criminal offence, your conduct may be reported to Victoria Police.

If you experience or witness inappropriate online conduct, help is available. You are always welcome and encouraged to contact Safer Community for advice and assistance. Safer Community also help you if you decide you want to progress the matter to a formal complaint.

Don't ignore or minimise bad behaviour online because you're concerned about rocking the boat – your safety and wellbeing, and that of other people who may also be affected but are less able to speak up, is important to us and we will take action to help.

Resources are available outside of VU to help you also. You may find useful advice and assistance from the following services.

Esafety commissioner

The eSafety Commissioner investigates offensive and illegal online content and work towards rapid removal. The website outlines the process for reporting online abuse.

The eSafety Commissioner has a training program designed for university support staff in areas such as student services, safety and wellbeing and human resources and covers latest online safety risks to young adults and proactive online safety strategies and highlights best practice responses to online safety incidents in a university context.

A toolkit is also available and provides targeted advice to assist university policy makers and non-academic staff, academics and other teaching staff and students deal with online abuse and its impacts.

Other resources

• ThinkUKnow - Helpful site full of tips on how to stay in control on the web.
• Youth Central - Advice about understanding the consequences of online actions, knowing what to do if things go wrong, and understanding online security can make your time online safer and more enjoyable.

Whether you want to stay in your relationship or leave, you are the best judge of your own safety. No matter what you decide, we can help you explore safety options, create a safety plan, and put in place safety measures to help reduce risk including access to aids, support or equipment.

Consider your options (below). For further information you can contact Safer Community.

If you are staying

Think about what you can do to keep you and your children safe, especially at times when you sense that the violence may be escalating.

• Talk to neighbours that you know and trust; ask them to call 000 if they hear violence or abuse.
• Contact trusted family and friends and set up a code word that you can text them in case you need them to call 000 on your behalf.
• Plan and practice (with your children) your escape route from the house; don’t plan to flee to areas where you can become trapped. Identify areas free from weapons: the most dangerous rooms in your house are the bathroom, kitchen and garage.
• Teach your children that their job is to stay safe, not to rescue you. Teach your children how to call 000 for the police, fire or ambulance.
• If your children are old enough, practice a ‘safe word’ or sentence with them, let them know to get ready to leave the house if you say the safe word.
• If you have to flee, plan how you would do so. Know the location of your nearest police station or hospital and go there if you need to.

If you are planning to leave

The time just before leaving a family violence situation can be very dangerous. When it comes time to leave, make a plausible excuse to leave the house, or leave while the person using violence is not at home.

• Only tell trusted people that you are planning to leave, and where you are planning to go.
• Turn off location settings on your mobile phone and any other technology you are taking with you. If the person using violence had access to your technology, consider leaving these items behind.
• Hide a bag with clothes, medication, keys and other important items that you can grab easily, or else leave the bag with someone you trust.
• Make copies or take photos of important documents, e.g. your passport and driver’s licence, medicare card, deeds to your house, and any other important financial records.
• If you have children take clothes for them, their medical records and medication, bottles and nappies, and some of their favourite toys.
• If you have pets, take food and whatever equipment you need to travel, such as a lead, pet cage and pet bed.

Safety after leaving

The time after leaving a family violence situation is also very dangerous. Be vigilant during this time.

• Consider getting an intervention order if you don’t already have one.
• Try to change your routine. This could mean leaving home or work at different hours, shopping in different places, or driving instead of catching public transport.
• Let key people know about your situation, e.g. your boss and other work colleagues or your children’s teachers, talk to them about what they should do if they are worried about your safety or the safety of your children.
• Look at ways to increase security in your home, like changing your locks or installing security measures like a property alarm, security lights and CCTV.
• Replace any technology that the person using violence set up, registered or had access to, including smartphones, tablets and Ipads, computers, smart watches etc.
• Block the person using violence on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp and any other forms of social media.
• Change the passwords of your online accounts including social media, email, banking accounts, MyGov and your e-tag account if you have a car.
• Redirect your mail and get a post office box.

Seek help from a professional support service, such as:

• 1800 Respect: 1800 737 732
  Provides confidential sexual assault and family and domestic violence counselling via phone and webchat. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Salvation Amy: the Salvation Army provides a wide range of services around the country to support women and women with children impacted by domestic and family violence. 
• Victoria Government: Family Violence Statewide Services
• Payment support scheme: Australian Government Services Australia, Crisis Payment for Extreme Circumstances Family and Domestic Violence 
• Uniting: Family violence payment 
• National Sexual Assault Domestic Violence Service: visit the 1800Respect website or call 1800 737 732
• Safe Steps: visit the Safe Steps website , reach out via email  safesteps@safesteps.org.au or call the 24/7 helpline at 1800 015 188. Additionally, connect over web chat from 9am – midnight, weekdays.
• The Orange Door: access a support via the Orange Door website
• Police: in an emergency call 000

If you believe someone is an immediate risk to themselves or others, you should call for help as soon as possible.

Off campus:

• Victoria Police & Ambulance 000 (if someone is injured, violent or armed).
• Psychiatric Triage Services (information, assessment and referral).
  • Footscray Park, Footscray Nicholson and Werribee: 1300 657 259.
  • Sunshine, Melton, St Albans, City Campus: 1300 874 243.
  • Lifeline 13 11 14 (telephone crisis counselling).

On campus:

• Security 9919 6666 (if injured, violent or armed, and 24/7)
• Student Wellbeing  9919 5400

If you have mental health concerns for someone and there is no immediate risk of harm, you can consult or book an appointment with support services. If you have concerns someone you know might be considering self-harming or having suicidal thoughts, but there is no immediate risk of harm, you should consider booking an appointment with support services.

On campus:

• Book an appointment with Student Counselling on  9919 5400.
• Consult with Safer Community on  9919 5707 or email  safer.community@vu.edu.au.
• Register with Disability & accessibility services for support and resources, call  9919 5400 for an appointment.

Off campus:

• Headspace on 1800 650 890.

If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health concerns you should seek professional support.

Some suggestions on how to support someone with mental health issues:

• If the person is at risk of harming themselves or others, contact Emergency Services (000)
• Give the person opportunities to talk.
• Speak openly and honestly about your concerns.
• Use 'I' rather than 'you' statements to express your feelings.
• Respect how the person interprets their symptoms.
• Let the person know you want to help and support them.
• Treat the person with dignity and respect.
• Do not blame the person for their illness.
• Listen attentively, encourage the person to speak to you.
• Do not tell them to 'snap out of it' or 'get over it'.
• Do not belittle or dismiss the person's feelings.
• Ask the person if they need help managing how they are feeling.
• Discuss help-seeking options.
• Encourage and support the person to seek help.
• If the person does not want help, respect their decision.

Some things to remember:

• If someone tells you they are suicidal, they might be reaching out for help.
• Support the person by listening to them non-judgmentally.
• You should not ignore the person, and you should not keep it a secret.
• Talk to a support person or professional about your concerns.
• Discuss the person’s options with them.
• Encourage the person to get professional help or talk to another support person.
• Encourage the person that these are just thoughts, they do not need to act on them.
• Encourage the person to keep a list of things they can do, and the thoughts may go away.
• Ask if they have any immediate plans to take their life.

Fact sheets

• Headspace fact sheets
• Black Dog Institute mental health fact sheets
• HealthDirect government site: Mental health and wellbeing.

University policies

• Student Charter Policy
• Student Conduct Policy 
• Appropriate Workplace Behaviour Policy

Resources to help support someone thinking of self-harm or suicide

• Lifeline toolkit – Helping someone at risk of suicide from Lifeline facts and information.
• SANE Australia – How to help when someone is suicidal.

Self-harm & suicide resources

External resources

• Beyondblue information sheet
• Self-harm information booklet
• Self-harm infographic
• Life in Mind is part of a National Suicide Prevention Strategy project managed on behalf of the Department of Health.
• Suicide bereavement from Lifeline.

University policies

• Student Charter Policy
• Appropriate Workplace Behaviour Policy

Legislation

Preventing Suicide Legislation in Crimes Act 1958 – Sect 463B

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

• On campus – security  +61 3 919 6666  (24/7)
• Off campus – police and ambulance 000 (triple zero)
• Sexual Assault Crisis Line – 1800 806 292

You can report any concern relating to a sexual assault and/or sexual harassment to Victoria University. You will receive confidential advice and assistance about your options, as well as referrals to support services.

If you report an experience of sexual assault or sexual harassment at Victoria University, you can trust that you will be listened to, supported and that your report will be treated confidentially.

Contact Safer Community to find out more:

• Call:  +61 3 9919 5707
• Email:  safercommunity@vu.edu.au
• Use the our online reporting form

You can make a report to Safer Community anonymously. However, our ability to provide you with support and advice may be limited. 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.

What happens when I make a report?

When you report to the University you have control over the action we take. If you are a student, we will not share your report with anyone else unless one of these applies:

• you provide us with your consent
• there are very serious safety concerns and we are legally obligated to act immediately.

Find out more about what happens when you make a report. 

If you or someone you know experiences a sexual offence you should seek professional support.

On campus

• Safer Community:  + 61 3 9919 5707  |  safer.community@vu.edu.au
• Security:  + 61 3 9919 4999  (24/7) |  security.centre@vu.edu.au
• Student Counselling:  + 61 3 9919 5400  | website
• Staff EAP: 1300 327 288 (24/7)
• VU Safe App: Provides safety and supports services for both on and off campus.

Off campus

• Victoria Police, Sexual Offence and Child Abuse Investigation Teams (SOCIT): find online at police.vic.gov.au.
• Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA) 9635 3610 (business hours) or 1800 806 292 (after hours).
• Western Region Centre Against Sexual Assault: (03) 9216 0444 | www.westcasa.org.au
• 1800respect.org.au – 24/7 webchat or phone counselling: 1800 737 732
• inTouch: Provides services and support to migrants and refugees. Call 1800 755 988
• Q Life: Provides peer support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) people and their friends, families and allies. Call 1800 184 527
• Djirra: Provides culturally safe and accessible services to Aboriginal people seeking support. Call 1800 105 303
• Women's Information & Referral Exchange (WIRE) : Any woman, any issue - free support, referral and information for all Victorian women, non-binary and gender diverse people. Call 1300 134 130
• WestCASA: a community-based sexual assault counselling service operating in Melbourne's west. A dedicated Counsellor Advocate from WestCASA will be available by appointment at Footscray Park every Monday, 9am-5pm call  +61 3 9919 5400 . Or collect a referral form from Wellbeing Reception, Building M, Level 2 and email it to:  VUintake@westcasa.org.au.

VU students and staff can access dedicated, 24/7 support, call:  +61 3 9216 0411

Read WestCASA's FAQs for more information:

1. Believe them

Believing someone when they tell you about sexual assault or sexual harassment is really important. It takes a lot of courage for someone to talk about sexual assault or sexual harassment. Let your friend know that you believe them, and tell them that it’s not their fault.

2. Listen to them

Let the person talk, and really listen. Don’t focus on your reactions. Don’t ask for details of the assault, or ask questions like “Why did you go there?” or “Were you drunk?” Just listen, and let them know you want to support them.

3. Help them to find support

Getting support as soon as possible is important. See the important contacts listed on this page (above). Sexual assault or sexual harassment of any kind is unacceptable. You can report an assault anonymously if you wish to Safer Community.

Additional resources

• Respect & Responsibility
• Respect & Responsibility what is consent?
• Student online modules are available on Learning Hub (login required)
  • Sexual harassment and sexual assault – how can staff respond?
  • Bystander Awareness and Action
• Your Body Your Choice (PDF, 724.45 KB)
• Your Body Your Choice information in English, Hindi, Indonesian, Korean, Nepali, Portuguese, Spanish, Arabic, Vietnamese, Chinese and Thai.

Fact sheets

• Staying safe online – information from the eSafety Commissioner
• Sexual harassment fact sheet (PDF) from the Australian Human Rights Commission.
• Sex discrimination and sexual harassment from the Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission.

Victoria University policies

• Gender-based Violence Policy 
• Discrimination, Sexual Harassment and Bullying Prevention and Management procedures
• Student Conduct Policy
• Student Charter Policy
• Appropriate Workplace Behaviour Policy
• Safety and welfare of children and young people policy
• Safety and welfare of children and young people procedure
• Safety and welfare of children and young people - staff code of conduct

Legislation

• Sex Discrimination Act 1984
• Sexual Offence Legislation in Crimes Act 1958
• Crimes (Sexual Offences) Act 2006
• Crimes Amendment (Sexual Offences and Other Matters) Act 2014.

• As early as possible give a single clear message to the person that you don’t want any attention or contact from them, and ask them to stop the behaviour immediately
• Cease all contact with the person
• Do not respond to contact of any form from the person (it only serves to prolong the stalking, and even if the interaction is negative it encourages them to continue the behaviour)
• Block the person’s email, phone number and social media accounts
• Screen phone calls, especially from unknown numbers
• Increase privacy settings on social media, ensure they are private.

• Keep your phone with you and program emergency numbers.
• Make a safety plan, including family and friends phone numbers, and safe locations you can go that the person doesn’t know. You can contact Safer Community to help with this. 
• Keep your location private; do not post on social media, turn off location settings on your phone, and remove any phone finder apps.
• Try to stay in public areas and have someone travel with you.
• If being digitally stalked, change your passwords, create a new email account, and get a new phone number (SIM card).
• Download personal safety apps on your phone, such as bSafe and VU Safe.

• Safer Community provides advice, assistance and referrals, including appropriate safety arrangements.
• Tell people you trust about the behaviour, including family, friends, your workplace and the University.
• Seek advice and information from a professional service, such as Women's Information and Referral Exchange (WIRE) on 1300 134 130.
• Seek support from a professional support service, such as Counselling on +61 3 9919 5400.

• Keep and date a record of all contact from the person, what happened and when, as well what you did to try and stop the behaviour.
• Keep and date any evidence of the behaviour, including emails and messages, screenshots of posts or comments, letters, cards, and gifts.
• Report the behaviour to the social media site, e.g. Facebook or Twitter.
• Report the behaviour to the University, to seek advice, information and assistance:
  • Discuss you concerns with teaching staff for support and referrals.
  • Report an incident to campus Security.
  • Safer Community provide advice, assistance and referrals, including appropriate safety arrangements.
• If you feel unsafe or the stalking has occurred for more than 2 weeks, report to the police.
• If you receive a threat, report to the police immediately.

If someone you know experiences stalking you should seek professional advice.

There are several things you can do to support someone who discloses stalking:

• remain calm.
• listen and given them your full attention.
• validate their feelings, for example "It's ok to feel scared".
• reassure them it was right for them to tell someone.
• ask what you can do to support them.
• empower them to seek help.

For further information about supporting someone who is being stalked, visit Victims of Crime – Stalking.

External resources

• WIRE (Women's Information and Referral Exchange) stalking information
• Facebook stalking infographic

University policies

• Student Charter Policy
• Appropriate Workplace Behaviour Policy

Legislation

• Stalking Legislation in Crimes Act 1958 – Sect 21A
• Stalking Intervention Orders Act 2008
• Equal Opportunity Act 2010
• Personal Safety Intervention Orders Act 2010

VU is committed to preventing child abuse or harm by or through the early identification of risks in the University environment and the removal and reduction of those risks.

VU has robust human resources and recruitment practices for all staff, which explicitly consider child safety and wellbeing. VU is also committed to regularly training and educating its staff on the risks of child abuse or harm.

VU has zero tolerance of child abuse or harm, and all allegations and safety concerns made to VU will be treated very seriously and consistently in line with VU's policies and procedures.

VU has policies and procedures to guide and support its leadership team and staff to achieve these commitments to provide a child-safe environment. These include:

• Safety and Welfare of Children and Young People Policy, which includes:
  • Appendix 1 Child Safety Reporting Process
  • Appendix 2 Child Safety Reporting Guidelines
• Safety and Welfare of Children and Young People Procedure
• Safety and Welfare of Children and young people - International Student Welfare Procedure
• Safety and Welfare of Children and young people - Staff Code of Conduct.

The Staff Code of Conduct clearly establishes acceptable and unacceptable behaviours for VU staff, students, volunteers and council members. 

We regularly review our practices, policies and procedures to ensure ongoing compliance with the Commonwealth Child Safety Framework and the Victorian Child Safe Standards.

If you have immediate safety concerns about a child or young person, please call 000.

If you have general safety concerns about a child or young person, contact the Child Protection intake office where the child lives. After 5pm and on weekends, contact the Child Protection after hours service on 13 12 78.

Commission for Children Young People (CCYP)

The CCYP can help you with the Child Safe Standards and the Reportable Conduct Scheme, including how to formally report a concern.

Phone: 1300 78 29 78
Email:  contact@ccyp.vic.gov.au

Safer Community

All child safety concerns should be reported to Safer Community.

Safer Community is the initial contact and referral point for those who have child safety concerns, as outlined in Safety and Welfare of Children and Young People Procedure.

Phone: +61 3 9919 5707
Email:  safer.community@vu.edu.au.

Get information about the Working with children check, apply for or renew your check:
Working with children check - Department of Justice and Community Safety

If you are a current VU staff member, contractor, volunteer or council member, please direct any queries about Working with Children Checks to People and Culture.

Email:  peopleandculture@vu.edu.au
Log a request through People First (login required)

If you have concerns for someone and there is no immediate risk of harm, you can consult with support services.

Off campus

• DirectLine - counselling, information and referral service for alcohol and drug related concerns - 1800 888 236
• Lifeline - 24/7 phone or online crisis support and advice service: 13 11 14
• Ask Izzy - online directory of homeless help

On campus

• Seek advice and support, including free and confidential counselling, advocacy and advice - call +61 3 9919 5400.
• Consult with Safer Community on +61 3 9919 5707 or email  safer.community@vu.edu.au.

If you or someone you know experiences behavioural concerns you should seek professional support. 

Some things to keep in mind when supporting someone with alcohol or drug problems

• If the person is in a dangerous alcohol or drug affected state contact emergency services (000).
• Approach the person with your concerns.
• Express your concerns non-judgementally.
• Ask the person about their use, rather than make assumptions.
• Focus the conversation on the person’s behaviour, rather than their character.
• Use 'I' rather than 'you' statements to express your feelings.
• Do not criticise the person or use labels like 'addict'.
• Do not feel guilty or responsible if the person does not want to make a change.
• Discuss the person's options for professional help if they want it.
• Encourage the person to find a health professional they are comfortable with.
• Encourage the person to seek support from other friends and family.
• If the person does not wish to change, support them but do not support their drug use.
• Inform the person about self-help options.

Further help supporting someone with behavioural concerns related to drugs or alcohol:

• Mental Health First Aid helping someone with drug use problems
• Helping a family member or friend with a drug or alcohol problem.

Signs of substance abuse

• Regularly taking more than intended
• Negative impact on work, home or school
• Regularly trying to cut down or stop
• Tolerance: need more to get the same effect
• Withdrawal: feel ill when not using
• Cravings or desire for the substance

Impact of substance abuse

• Major cause of mental illness
• Alcohol and drug abuse leads to higher risk of mental illness
• Higher risk of violence, suicide, heart disease, diabetes, and malnutrition.

Be informed about other concerning behaviours including grief and loss, alcohol and drug abuse or dependence, relationship breakdown, or homelessness.

External resources

• alcohol fact sheets – including effects of alcohol, short and long term
• NIDA easy to read drugs facts – NIDA is a the National Institute on Drug Abuse (US site)

University resources

• Student Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy and Procedures
• Student Charter
• Student Conduct Policy
• Appropriate Workplace Behaviour Policy

Legislation

Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Amendment Act 2012

Image-based abuse involves the sharing, or threat of sharing, intimate images or videos without a person’s consent.

“Sexting” refers to sending sexual or intimate images, messages or videos — usually via mobile phone or online platforms. While some people share images consensually, sharing those images without permission, or threatening to share them, can be harassment and may be a criminal offence.

It is also important to understand that possessing intimate images of a person under 18 years old, when you are over 18, can constitute a serious criminal offence, even if the images were initially shared consensually.

If you are affected by image-based abuse, you may consider:

• Asking the person to delete the image immediately (if it is safe to do so)
• Reporting the image to the platform it was shared on
• Removing tags or reporting content that features you
• Reporting image-based abuse directly to the eSafety Commissioner
• Contacting Safer Community for advice, support and information about your options
• Seeking support from a trusted friend, family member or counselling service

You do not have to manage this alone.

Cyberbullying is bullying carried out through technology, for example, using social media, messaging platforms, email or gaming platforms to harass, intimidate or humiliate someone. It may involve repeated behaviour, but a single serious incident can also have a significant impact.

Cyberbullying can include:

• Posting hurtful or humiliating comments
• Sharing embarrassing content
• Excluding someone from online group spaces
• Sending abusive or threatening messages

If you are experiencing cyberbullying, you may choose to:

• Ask for the content to be removed (if it is safe to do so)
• Block the person responsible
• Keep records or screenshots of messages or posts
• Report the content to the relevant platform
• Contact Safer Community for confidential advice and support

Online behaviour has real-world consequences. If something happening online is affecting your sense of safety, wellbeing or ability to participate in university life, support is available.