Sexual assault and sexual harassment

The important thing is to talk to someone. We are here for you. No matter what happened, or when. We can talk to you about your options and connect you with help. You decide if you want support, to report the incident, or both.

What is sexual assault?

The term can refer to a broad range of sexual behaviours that make an individual feel uncomfortable, frightened or threatened. Sexual assault is a crime and includes rape, sexual touching and child sexual abuse.

Consent must be given and it should be informed and free from intimidation. A person who is asleep or under the influence of drugs or alcohol cannot give informed consent. You can refer to the Consent Factsheet [PDF 454KB] for more information.

Examples of sexual assault:

• Unwanted touching, hugging, fondling or kissing
• Being made to look at, or pose for, pornographic photos
• Public exposure
• Voyeurism (e.g. being watched doing intimate things without permission)
• Incest
• Rape

What is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment is when a person makes an unwelcome sexual advance, or an unwelcome request for sexual favours to another person, and/or engages in any other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature in relation to another person, including through digital or online means, that is offensive, humiliating or intimidating.

Examples of sexual harassment:

• Intrusive questions or statements about a person’s private life
• Repeatedly asking a person for sex or dates
• Offensive sexual comments or jokes
• Sexually suggestive behaviour such as leering or staring

Report the incident

You can report an incident to Victoria Police or to Swinburne’s Safer Community team at any time. You don’t have to make a formal report if you don’t want to.

When reporting an incident, you will receive confidential advice on next steps to take and be referred on to relevant support services.

It’s helpful to have a trusted friend or family member act as your support person when making contact with the police or the university about the incident.

When making a report to Swinburne, you always have control over what actions are taken. We will respect your privacy and how you want to deal with the matter.

You can choose to report an incident to the university anonymously if you prefer. This will enable Swinburne to provide general advice and support services information.

Victoria Police

Sexual Offence and Child Abuse Investigation Teams (SOCIT)

Swinburne Safer Community

Report the incident to Safer Community or email safercommunity@swinburne.edu.au.

Supporting a victim of sexual assault

If someone tells you they have been sexually assaulted or sexually harassed, there are certain things you can do to help:

• Make sure they feel safe and believed and do your best to make the person feel safe and supported.
• Listen, don’t judge. If someone shares their difficult story with you, listen and respond sensitively. It’s important not to ask too many questions or make them feel judged. Sexual assault is not the fault of the victim/survivor.
• Inform them and encourage them to seek support. Encourage them to seek support if they choose and help them to find the support services available to them and how they can make a formal report.
• Acknowledge your own feelings and seek support if you need. If you’re worried or unsure what to do, speak to a trained professional.

Preventing sexual harm at Swinburne

At Swinburne, we are proud to support Australian Universities’ Respect. Now. Always. initiative, which strives to prevent sexual harm and enhance how universities respond to incidences and support those affected. Prevention is a vital part of our approach, and we invite you to explore our dedicated webpages to learn more about our initiatives and prevention strategies, and data and action plans.