What is sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment is unwanted sexual behaviour which makes a make a person feel offended, humiliated, or intimidated.
Sexual harassment can occur in face-to-face interactions, in writing or online. It can happen once or as a pattern of behaviour.
Sexual harassment impacts people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations and cultural backgrounds.
People have the right not to be sexually harassed at work, study, where they live, shop or socialise. There are equal opportunity laws to protect them from this type of behaviour and from being treated badly if they make a complaint.
Some examples of sexual harassment include:
- Staring, leering or unwelcome touching
- Suggestive comments or jokes
- Unwanted invitations to go out on dates or requests for sex
- Intrusive questions about a person’s private life or body
- Unnecessary familiarity, such as deliberately brushing up against a person
- Emailing pornography or explicit content
- Displaying images of a sexual nature around the workplace
- Communicating content of a sexual nature through social media or text messages.
Some types of sexual harassment are also criminal offences such as indecent exposure, stalking and sexual assault. Other offences relate to obscene or threatening phone calls, letters, emails, text messages and posts on social media.
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 harassment.
If you choose to make a report to the University, we can support you to do so. We can also refer you to other specialist support 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.
Additional help and information
1800RESPECT
1800RESPECT is the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service.
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 harassment and sexual assault.
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.