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Gender Based Violence
Creating a community of safety and respect
At Southern Cross University, we are dedicated to ensuring every member of our community feels safe, respected and included. We are committed to preventing and responding to gender-based violence and sexual harm, and to fostering a culture where every individual is valued, empowered and treated with dignity.
Through trauma-informed support, we seek to promote awareness and foster a culture of respect, accountability and shared responsibility. This commitment reflects our recognition of the profound and lasting impacts that gender-based violence can have on individuals, families and communities.
Gender-based violence
If you would like to report an incident where you or someone you know has experienced gender-based violence such as sexual assault or harassment, you can do so confidentially using the link below
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Understanding Gender-based violence, support and reporting
Gender-based violence encompasses a range of harmful behaviours and actions directed at individuals based on their gender. It may involve physical or non-physical forms of abuse, including sexual, emotional, psychological, social, financial, and cyber abuse, as well as stalking, coercive control, and domestic and family violence. The effects can be profound, impacting victim-survivors' wellbeing, sense of safety, mental health, and capacity to engage in study and university life.
If this has happened to you, please know you are not alone and support is available.
View available support
If you have experienced or witnessed gender-based violence, or are supporting someone who has, you can access support or make a disclosure through Riskware, the University's online reporting platform.
We are committed to ensuring your safety, wellbeing, and privacy. Disclosures are responded to promptly, with a focus on providing support, explaining available options, and connecting you with appropriate services. If you prefer, you can choose to make an anonymous disclosure.
Make a reportWhen a disclosure is received, the University will assess the information and take steps to provide timely and appropriate support. Where appropriate, students will be invited to engage with support services to discuss their circumstances, wellbeing, and available options. If you choose to provide your contact details, we will reach out to discuss how we can support you and what options are available.
As part of the shared commitment to creating a safe and respectful community, all students are required to complete the Respect Matters educational module. New students are encouraged to complete the module during Orientation week.
Access Respect Matters moduleSupport is available
| Immediate Crisis Response | |
|---|---|
| 000 Emergency Services | If your or someone else’s safety is at immediate risk, call 000 (triple zero) and seek support from emergency services |
| Campus Security | If on campus phone 1800 SC HELP / 1800 72 4357 for campus security. Available 24/7. |
| Dedicated SCU Student Support | |
|---|---|
| 24/7 Mental Health Support | Phone 1300 782 676 or text 0488 884 143 for urgent over-the-phone or crisis support |
| Counselling, Safety & Wellbeing | We have a team of experienced counsellors, psychologists, and social workers who can provide mental health and safety support. Available, Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. Phone: 1800 72 4357 (Option 3) email: studentsafety@scu.edu.au or counselling@scu.edu.au. |
| International Students |
International students may wish to contact their International Student Adviser. |
| Support for Staff | |
|---|---|
| HR Services | Staff members who experience gender-based violence, please refer to the Staff Domestic and Family Violence Support webpage |
Community Support Services
1800RESPECT
24 hours to support people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, and abuse. Access confidential counselling and support.
Call 1800 737 732Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline
For anyone in Australia whose life has been impacted by domestic or family violence. Available 24/7.
Call 1800 943 539White Ribbon
White Ribbon Australia is part of a global social movement working to eliminate gendered violence.
Our commitment to awareness and prevention
Creating a safe and respectful environment is a shared responsibility across the Southern Cross University community. Our Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response Policy, informed by the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence 2025, provides the framework for prevention, education, support and response initiatives that strengthen a culture free from violence and harm.
Provide feedback, contribute to a safe environment
We all have a role to play in helping SCU to be a safe and respectful community free from Gender-based Violence.
We invite all community members to actively engage with the development of SCU’s Prevention and Response Plan.
Please contact us if you would like to get involved or provide feedback.
Our Watch: making our campuses safer
To ensure we continue to make our campuses and residential accommodation safe we are working together with Our Watch and Universities Australia. The Respect and Equality in Universities project provided a whole-of-institution strategy to prevent violence against women and people who identify as LGBTIQ+ involved reviewing our policies, systems, and culture, and taking action across all aspects of the university.
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Support is available
Immediate crisis response
For help in an emergency, contact:
Police and Ambulance - 000
OR
On-campus security - 1800 SC HELP/ 1800 72 4357 (free call from any campus phone)
Student Support
For further information about support services, making a disclosure or a formal report, please refer to our webpage.
Staff Domestic and Family Violence Support
Staff members who experience domestic or family violence, please refer to the Staff Domestic and Family Violence Support webpage for the information and support available.