Support for sexual harassment and assault
Your safety and wellbeing is our priority. Gender-based violence (GBV), including sexual harassment and sexual assault, is not tolerated in our community. Everyone has the right to feel safe where they study, live and work. Confidential and specialised support is available for you. We can provide information on services, help you navigate your options, and access the support you need.
Understanding gender-based violence
Gender-based violence refers to any form of physical or non-physical violence, harassment, abuse or threats, based on gender, that results in, or is likely to result in, harm, coercion, control, fear of deprivation of liberty or autonomy. It includes incidents where an individual(s) incites (an)other individual(s) to engage in Gender-based Violence.
Accessing confidential support
To access support from our trauma-informed specialist team, you can make a confidential disclosure via our gender-based violence disclosure form.
A disclosure is a confidential way to seek support and understand your options if you have experienced gender-based violence. Making a disclosure does not mean you are making a formal report to the University.
Our trauma informed specialist team will listen to you without judgement, provide the support you need, and explain all your options so you can decide what happens next. We recognise everyone's situation is different - your safety, agency and trust in us is our priority. You decide what information you want to share and what steps, if any, you would like to take.
Once you submit the form, a team member will contact you within two business days to discuss your needs and provide you with support, which may include safety planning, academic adjustments, counselling and discussing next steps or formal reporting with you.
How we can help you
- Understand your options so you can make informed decisions
- Ongoing check-ins – we’re with you the whole way
- Flexible support and coordination of adjustments that can adapt with your needs
- Collaborative safety planning that prioritises your wellbeing and agency
- Access to specialised resources and services
If you're ready to make a formal report
Making a formal report is different from making a disclosure for support. Remember you do not need to make a formal report to get support. If you would like the University or police to take action in response to an incident, you may choose to make a formal report.
Our trauma-informed specialist team can help you understand your reporting options, explain what to expect from different processes, and support you to make a decision that feels right for you.
You can choose to:
You don't have to decide straight away. Support is available to you whether or not you choose to make a report.
Contact the team
Depending on what makes you feel most comfortable, you can decide how you'd like to get in touch with us:
Email:
[email protected]
Complete the form
Gender-Based Violence Disclosure Form
Talk to a team member in person
Level 1, Student Central,
Monday to Friday, 8.30am-4.30pm
Additional 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
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.
Our commitment to a safe and respectful UWA
Gender-based violence has no place at UWA. Supporting those affected by gender-violence is only part of the picture. We are committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive community through prevention, education and support.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
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.
-
What if I am ready to make a formal report?
Making a formal report is different from making a disclosure for support. If you would like the University or WA Police to take action in response to an incident, you may choose to make a formal report. Our specialist team can help you understand your reporting options, explain what to expect from the process, and support you to make an informed decision. You can choose to make a report to UWA, WA Police, or both.
-
What if I don't want to make a formal report?
You can still access support even if you don’t make a formal report. If you have experienced gender-based violence, you can still make a confidential disclosure and receive support, information and guidance from our specialist team. Our team can help with safety planning, wellbeing support and academic adjustments whether you make a formal report or not. It’s always your choice.
-
What if I'm not sure what action I want to take?
You don’t have to have a plan figured out before speaking to us. Our team are here to provide support. Our specialist team can answer any questions you may have and help you understand all your options so you can make informed decisions at your own pace. We prioritise your wellbeing and your safety, and understand it is important for you to take the time you need to make any decisions.
-
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
-
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]