Gender Based Violence

Our Commitment to Safety and Respect

At Southern Cross University, we are dedicated to ensuring that every member of our community feels safe, respected and included. This commitment underpins everything we do and will be further strengthened by the Australian Government’s introduction of the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (the National Code), which has now passed into law.

The National Code sets clear standards and best practice requirements for how universities must prevent and respond to gender-based violence. This includes prioritising safety and proactively addressing the factors that drive and contribute to gender-based violence in the University community.

To address the requirements of the National Code, SCU has developed the following plans and policies

Key Documents

Gender-based Violence Prevention and Response Plan

SCU Gender Equality Action Plan

Sexual Harm & Gender-based Violence(Prevention & Response) Policy

Frequently asked questions

Gender-based violence is defined broadly under the National Code as 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 or deprivation of liberty or autonomy.

This replaces the previous terminology of ‘sexual harm and family violence’ to reflect a more comprehensive approach.

The University has published a new Sexual Harm and Gender-based Violence (Prevention and Response) Policy and will continue to review and update its policies and procedures to ensure alignment with the National Code.

The University has prepared the Whole of Organisation Gender-based Violence Prevention and Response Plan. This Plan is intended to reflect the needs of different student and staff groups, particularly those members who are disproportionately affected by gender-based violence.

The University has also prepared the SCU Gender Equality Action Plan.

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.

The Inclusive Communication Guide provides shared principles and practical tips for communicating in ways that help people feel safe, respected and included. It considers not only the language we use, but also the images, systems and signals that shape who feels welcome, who is centred, and who feels safe to participate or ask for help.

Inclusive Communications Guide |SCU - Southern Cross University

The Signposting Support resources provide information about support services, helplines and practical resources for people experiencing or affected by gender-based violence, sexual violence and related issues. They also include guidance on bystander intervention, responding to disclosures, self-care and accessing university and community support.

Signposting support.pdf

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)

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Student Support

For further information about support services, making a disclosure or a formal report, please refer to our webpage. 

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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. 

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