What is sexual assault?
The term sexual assault is broad and refers to when a person is touched in an intentionally sexual way, without their consent and they feel frightened uncomfortable or threatened.
Sexual assault can occur alongside other sexual offences, which can include:
- Unwanted touching of the breasts, buttocks, or genitals
- Being made to touch someone’s breasts, buttocks or genitals
- Forced and unwanted kissing
- Rape (forced penetration of the vagina, anus or mouth by a body part or object)
- Being forced to have sex or engage in any sexual activity with someone else
- Forced viewing of pornography or being made to watch other sexual acts
- Stealthing (removal of condoms during sex without the consent of the other person).
Consent
Consent is giving full and informed agreement, before and during any type of sexual contact or activity.
When sexual contact or activity does occur without a person’s consent, this could be sexual assault or another type of sexual offence.
Consent means having:
- An understanding and being ok with the type of sexual contact or activity
- Clear knowledge of who and how many people are or will be involved
- Nothing stopping you from saying no or changing your mind at any time. This means consent cannot be given if a person is:
- Asleep, unconscious or so affected by alcohol or drugs that they can’t express their wishes
- Injured or scared for their safety
- Coerced by someone directly or by the power and position they may hold.
Consent must be given all the time, every time.
For immediate, 24/7 help
On campus, call Campus Security on 03 8344 6666
Off campus, call emergency services (police and ambulance) on 000.
The Safer Community Program
The Safer Community Program is the University's support service for people who have experienced inappropriate, concerning or threatening behaviour, including sexual offences.
If you choose to make a report to Victoria Police and/or the University, we can support you to do so. We can also refer you to specialist health and sexual assault services, and help you to deal with any impact on your studies.
Other support services
The following University services can also provide confidential support.
Campus Security
You can contact University Security at any time by calling 03 8344 6666. In any life-threatening situation, always call Victorian emergency services first via 000.
Counselling and Psychological Services
The University of Melbourne Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides free, confidential, short-term professional counselling to currently enrolled students and staff.
Chaplaincy
Chaplains are representatives of different faith groups in the wider community, who are placed in the University by their respective faith group with the approval of the Vice-Chancellor.
University Health Service
The Health Service offers experienced medical doctors and nurses, with a depth of knowledge relevant to student medical issues.
Additional help and information
The Sexual Assault Crisis Line Victoria
The Sexual Assault Crisis Line Victoria is a state-wide, after-hours, confidential, telephone crisis counselling service for victims/survivors of both past and recent sexual assault.
1800RESPECT
1800RESPECT is the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service.
Victoria Police
Victoria Police provides policing services to the Victorian community. In an emergency, always call 000.
Lifeline
Lifeline provides anyone experiencing a personal crisis with access to online, phone, and face-to-face crisis support and suicide prevention services 24 hour a day, 7 days a week.
University policies and information
Student Conduct Policy
Provides guidance on matters concerning behavioural standards and expectations for students.
Student Charter
Sets out what students are responsible for and what they are entitled to expect.
Appropriate behaviour on social media
Outlines the University's expectations of students and staff when using social media.
Child Safety Policy
Outlines the University’s commitment to child safety and appropriate standards of behaviour towards children. It also guides the development of systems and processes that support the prevention and management of child abuse risks.
Appropriate Workplace Behaviour Policy
Outlines the standards, values and expectations for appropriate behaviour in the workplace.
Respect at the University
Outlines the University's commitment to a safe, inclusive and respectful community.
Student complaints and grievances
Guides you through the student complaints and grievances process.