Respect at Melbourne

Content warning:
This website includes information on sexual harassment and sexual assault and may be distressing for some people. For support, contact the Safer Community Program. In a life-threatening emergency call 000, then call University Security on 83446666.

The University of Melbourne is committed to eliminating sexual misconduct and gender-based violence from its community, and promoting safety for students, staff and visitors.

Where sexual misconduct or gender-based violence does occur, we aim to provide a supportive and trauma-informed response that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of victim-survivors.

Get support

If you or someone you know feels unsafe or needs to talk, our university support services can help you.

View more support services

The Speak Safely portal allows you to speak safely about sexual assault, harassment and other forms of inappropriate behaviour to access support, or seek action from your nominated response area.

You have the choice to remain anonymous. The University will take all reasonable steps to respect and protect your anonymity.

Access Speak Safely now

It is important we all have a shared understanding of what sexual misconduct is.

Sexual misconduct

The University of Melbourne uses the term sexual misconduct to describe any sexual act or behaviour that a person does not consent to, including sexual assault (and other sexual offences) and sexual harassment.

Gender-based violence

Gender-based violence is any form of physical or non-physical violence, harassment, abuse or threats based on gender, that result in, or is likely to result in harm, coercion, control, fear or deprivation of liberty or autonomy.

Sexual misconduct and gender-based violence are unacceptable.
If you have experienced sexual misconduct or gender-based violence, you have the right to seek support and advice.

The University will support you through this process. We will listen and respect any decision you make along the way.

Find out more about sexual misconduct and gender-based violence

Take action and make a report about the behaviour of a student

Where can I make a complaint about the behaviour of a student?

  • Anyone can report the inappropriate behaviour of a student through this online form
  • Or register your concern with the Academic Registrar via email: academic-registrar@unimelb.edu.au 
  • If you are a student, you can make a complaint through the student complaints and grievances website
  • The Speak Safely portal helps staff and students speak safely about sexual assault, harassment and other forms of inappropriate behaviour to access support, take notes, or seek action from the University. If you wish, you can report anonymously. If you are not ready to make a formal complaint, you can keep a record of incidents via the Diary Note pathway.

Take action and make a report about the behaviour of a staff member

Where can I make a complaint about the behaviour of a staff member?

  • Current employees may contact their line manager or senior staff in their division, their local HR Business Partner, or Workplace Relations
  • Staff can also make an online complaint via Staff Hub
  • Call the Inappropriate Workplace Behaviour line on 1800 MULine (1800 685 463)
  • The Speak Safely portal helps staff and students speak safely about sexual assault, harassment and other forms of inappropriate behaviour to access support, take notes, or seek action from the University. If you wish, you can report anonymously. If you are not ready to make a formal complaint, you can keep a record of incidents via the Diary Note pathway.

Further advice from our Safer Community Program

Our safer community program provides support and advice that can help you recognise and respond to other inappropriate, concerning or threatening behaviours.

  • Discrimination

    Includes treating someone unfavourably because of a personal characteristic, or imposing a requirement that leads to disadvantages because of a personal characteristic.

  • Family/intimate partner violence

    Includes harmful or violent behaviour that is used to control, threaten, force or dominate a family member through fear.

  • Stalking

    Includes person repeatedly following, contacting, or interfering with another person or their property to cause fear, physical or mental harm.

  • Bullying

    Includes repeated, unreasonable behaviour that creates a risk to your physical or psychological health.

Access the Safer Community Program

Resources to help you

Discover university resources which are helping to make our community and campuses safer.

  • Preventing Sexual Misconduct (students)

    Understand the definition of sexual misconduct, contribute to a safe and respectful campus, and learn how to get support or make a report.

  • SafeZone app

    Download SafeZone to quickly share your location and details with the University Security team.

  • Respect education (staff)

    Build capability and confidence to call out and respond to sexual misconduct in our community.

  • MySafety

    Learn about healthy relationships and sexual experiences, and what to do if you are concerned about yourself or a friend.

Student with laptop

Take action

Preventing Sexual Misconduct is a mandatory eLearning module for all commencing undergraduate and graduate coursework students, and all commencing graduate researchers. As part of joining the University, you need to complete the module.

Preventing Sexual Misconduct was developed in consultation with students and subject-matter experts for the University, and provides practical information about:

  • Understanding sexual misconduct
  • Contributing to a safe and respectful campus
  • Getting support or making a complaint.

Access Preventing Sexual Misconduct now

SafeZone: A free safety app

Get help, always

Download SafeZone. Quickly share your location and details with the University Security team, who can assist you.

Download it on the App Store Get it on Google Play