We share a responsibility for a safe, inclusive and respectful campus, free from sexual harassment and other forms of sexual misconduct.
Bystander action is something we all can do, to prevent and stop sexual harm, and support those who may be impacted.
What is bystander action?
Bystander action is doing something when you witness or hear about sexual harassment. Students are encouraged to take bystander action when sexual harassment occurs inside or outside the University, face to face or online.
Bystander action can include:
- Asking the person to stop their behaviour, or ask others involved if they are ok
- Creating a distraction to divert the person’s attention elsewhere
- Escorting the impacted person/s away from the situation
- Checking in with the impacted person/s after the incident and offer support
- Asking others to help you intervene, or calling University Security
- Making an identified or anonymous report to the University
Only take bystander action when it is safe to do so. Always prioritise your own safety and wellbeing.
Call University Security +61 3 8344 6666 or 1800 246 066 (free call)
Bystander action online
We can take bystander action when we see an offensive post or comment on a university online platform.
Online bystander action can include:
- Asking the person to delete a comment or take the post down
- Blocking or unfollow them and encourage others to do so.
- Posting a comment that disagrees with or challenge sexist or offensive attitudes.
- Liking and share a comment with someone, who does the above
- Encouraging the impacted person’s to take a break from the platform and to notify a staff member who can take action.
- Making an identified or anonymous report to the University
Only take bystander action when it is safe to do so. Always prioritise your own safety and wellbeing.
Call University Security +61 3 8344 6666 or 1800 246 066 (free call)
You can also report serious cyber and image-based abuse to the Office of the eSafety Commissioner.
Don’t know what to say?
Here are some suggestions.
- Are you ok? I noticed that you were upset with what just happened.
- Let’s get out of here, and find somewhere better to go.
- I know this was a meant to be a joke, but it’s still pretty bad.
- Am I the only one here that finds that last statement offensive?
- Anyone else think this is off?
- Let me give you the facts.
Your commitment
The University asks you to commit to taking bystander action, whenever you witness or hear about sexual harassment. You can make a real contribution to the safety and wellbeing of other students and building a respectful campus environment. You are a bystander champion.
Only take bystander action when it is safe to do so. Always prioritise your own safety and wellbeing.
Call University Security +61 3 8344 6666 or 1800 246 066 (free call)
Reporting
If you have witnessed or have experienced any form of inappropriate behaviour, you can make a report to the University.
- Campus Security: unimelb.edu.au/security
- Safe Zone App: unimelb.edu.au/security/safezone
- Speak Safely Portal: safercommunity.unimelb.edu.au/sexual-misconduct/speak-safely-at-the-university-of-melbourne
- Safer Community Program: safercommunity.unimelb.edu.au/
- eSafety Commissioner: esafety.gov.au/about-us
Support
If you or another person need immediate support, reach out to the following services:
- Counselling & Psychological Services: https://services.unimelb.edu.au/counsel#home
- Lifeline Australia: https://www.lifeline.org.au/
- The Royal Women’s Hospital Sexual Assault Crisis Line: https://www.thewomens.org.au/patients-visitors/clinics-and-services/violence-sexual-assault/sexual-assault-response-service/
Support contacts
University Security | Phone: +61 3 8344 6666 or 1800 246 066 (free call) |
Safezone App
| |
Emergency services
| Phone: '000' for 24/7, emergency help |
Safer Community Program | Phone: +61 3 9035 8675 |
eSafety Commissioner | |
Counselling & Psychological Services (CAPS) | Phone: +61 3 8344 6927 |
After-hours Mental Health Support Monday–Friday: 5pm–9am | Phone: 1300 219 459 or text 0480 079 188 |
University Health Service | Phone: +61 3 8344 6904 |
Lifeline Australia | Phone: 13 11 14 |
13YARN Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis support line | Phone: 13 92 76 |
Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA) 24/7 counselling | Phone: +61 3 9635 3610 |
Sexual Assault Crisis Line | Phone: 1800 806 292 (5pm–9am) |
The Royal Women’s Hospital Sexual Assault Crisis Line 24/7 | Phone: +61 3 9635 3610 |
1800 Respect 24/7 | Phone: 1800 737 732 |
Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre 24/7 family violence support service | Phone: 1800 015 188 |
No to Violence Men’s Referral Service Mon–Fri: 8am–9pm | Phone: 1300 766 491 |
Orange Door Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm | Phone: 1800 271 045 |
Rainbow Door | Phone: 1800 729 367 |
Qlife 3pm–midnight | Phone: 1800 184 527 |