Support for sexual harassment and assault

Your safety and wellbeing is our priority. Sexual harm in all its forms is not tolerated in our community, and everyone has the right to feel safe where they live, study and work. Confidential and specialised support is available for you. We can provide information on services, help you navigate your options, and access the care you need.

Understanding Sexual Harm

What is sexual consent?

Sexual consent is an active and free agreement between people to do a specific sexual act by choice. They must be legal age, have the freedom and capacity to make that choice, must give permission without fear, coercion, force or intimidation.

What is sexual harm?

Sexual harm is unwelcomed and unwanted behaviour that is sexual in nature towards another individual without their consent. This includes sexual harassment, sexual assault and sexual exploitation.

What is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment means unwelcome sexual conduct, unwanted and unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favours. This can include but is not limited to, sexual suggestive words, gestures or sounds, invitations or telephone messages of a sexual nature or physical touching.

What is sexual assault?

Sexual assault means any non-consensual and unwanted sexual act or behaviour which is threatening, violent, forced, coercive or exploitative. This includes but is not limited to, sexual abuse, removal of barrier protection without consent or attempted rape.

Accessing confidential support

To access support from our trauma-informed specialist team, you can make a confidential disclosure via our mental health and wellbeing form, your entry point to all support.

Once you submit the form, a team member will contact you within two business days to discuss what support you need and connect you with the support that best suits your needs, including safety planning, academic adjustments, wellbeing care, and reporting options.

Complete the mental health and wellbeing form

How we can help you

  • Help you understand your options after experiencing sexual harm
  • Ongoing check-ins – we’re with you the whole way
  • Provide flexibility – support that can change with your needs
  • Access to specialised resources and services
UWA is committed to ensuring a safe and inclusive environment

Support contact details

UWA support

UWA Security

If you are on campus and need immediate support, contact UWA Security, available 24/7:

  • Call (+61 8) 6488 2222 or SMS 0419 227 915 when verbal communication is not possible.
  • Use the free SafeZone app
  • Use one of the Help Points on campus

In life-threatening emergencies, always call ‘000’ before contacting Security.


UWA Medical Centre

Book online or call (+61 8) 6488 2118 to see a doctor/general practitioner on campus.

 

Community support

Emergency Services

If you are in immediate danger, call 000


Sexual Assault Resource Centre (SARC)

For a recent sexual assault, get immediate and specialist medical, counselling and forensic support 24/7 for an assault within the past 14 days. You can call (+61 8) 6458 1828 or visit the SARC website for more information.


1800 Respect

Confidential information, counselling and support service. 1800RESPECT is available for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.

Frequently Asked Questions


Timing and Urgency

  • What is the average wait time once I submit the form?

    You’ll hear from a trauma-informed specialist team member within 48 hours (business days) of submitting your form.

  • What if my referral is urgent?

    Urgent referrals are prioritised. If your situation is time-sensitive, we'll aim to respond as quickly as possible during business hours. If you feel you feel your immediate safety is at risk, please contact police on 000.

  • Will someone respond to queries over the weekend or after hours?

    Our service operates during business hours (Monday to Friday). If you reach out on the weekend or after hours, we’ll get back to you on the next business day If you need support after hours, please see ‘What if I need help right now?’

  • What if I need help right now?

    If you’re in crisis or need immediate support, please contact:

    • 1800 RESPECT
    • Sexual Assault Resource Centre (SARC) - Contact the SARC 24-hour Crisis Line any time of the day or night, seven days a week call (08) 6458 1828 or 1800 199 888 (free call from landlines)
    • Mental Health Emergency Response Line (24/7): 1300 555 788
    • Lifeline WA (24/7): 13 11 14
    • Emergency (life-threatening situations): Call 000

Privacy and Process

  • Who sees the information I submit?

    Only the UWA specialist wellbeing team will see your information. It’s kept strictly confidential and only used to support you.

  • What happens after I submit the mental health and wellbeing form?

    We’ll be in touch within 48 business hours to:

    • Learn more about your situation
    • Talk through your options
    • Match you with the right support service
    • Share any helpful resources in the meantime

    We’ll stay in contact with you throughout the process to make sure you’re supported.

  • Supporting someone who has been affected

    You may currently be supporting a friend, class mate or colleague who has experienced sexual harm or gender-based violence.

    Here's some pointers for responding:

    • It's important to ensure the person's immediate safety and wellbeing
    • Do not blame any of the individuals involved or make judgements
    • Ask how the person would like to be helped and give timely and accurate information on specialist support and reporting options

    Refer to our Guide for supporting a student who has experienced sexual assault or harassment [PDF 153KB]

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