Respect Starts With You is a student-created campaign focused on preventing gender-based violence, sexual harassment and sexual assault.
Every person deserves to feel safe and respected, both on and off campus. This campaign is for students, staff, and everyone in our Curtin community. When we notice harm and choose to act, even in small ways, we help create a more positive and respectful environment at Curtin.
Respect Starts With You has three key messages:
See
To prevent gender-based violence on a community level, we should all be able to see the signs and recognise what gender-based violence is.
Information for students and staff
Seeing the signs means:
“Trusting your gut and noticing when something feels off or uncomfortable.”
Seeing the signs means:
“Being alert to body language, tone of voice, and how people are behaving.”
Seeing the signs means:
“Having empathy and being aware of what’s happening around you.”
Speak
We all have a collective responsibility to speak up, be active bystanders and challenge disrespectful behaviours and social norms.
More about being an active bystander
Speaking up means:
“Calling out inappropriate behaviour directly when you see it.”
Speaking up means:
“Having the courage to take a stand.”
Speaking up means:
“Setting clear boundaries.”
Support
Showing love and support for yourself and those around you fosters a community where people are empowered to call out disrespectful behaviour and seek help.
Support means:
“Acknowledging and validating what others are experiencing.”
Support means:
“Being there for your mates as you’d want them to be there for you.”
Support means:
“Checking in on your friends and yourself.”
If an incident made you feel uneasy, uncomfortable or unsafe, that is sufficient reason to reach out for assistance or report it, should you choose to do so.
No concern is too minor, and reporting issues early can help prevent them from escalating. You don’t have to navigate these situations on your own. Support services are available to help you understand your options and feel safe.