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Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and supported at Curtin. The Respect Starts With You initiative provides information, resources and support to help create a safe and respectful community
You might be unsure what happened, whether it “counts” as misconduct or harmful behaviour, or if you’re overreacting. These feelings are common, but they shouldn’t stop you from getting support.
If an experience has left you feeling uneasy, uncomfortable or unsafe, that’s enough reason to seek support. You don’t need to have all the answers before speaking with someone.
At Curtin, you can access confidential advice, information and support without making a formal report or sharing details you’re not comfortable discussing. Support is available whether you’re seeking help for yourself, looking for advice about someone else, or simply unsure about a situation.
If you’re unsure where to start, the Respect Starts With You webpage brings together support services, reporting options and information to help you understand what to do next.
What does the Safer Community Team do?
As part of Curtin’s Respect Starts With You campaign, the Safer Community Team is here to help you understand your options and access support, no matter how big or small your concern may seem.
The Safer Community Team supports students who have concerns about safety, security or wellbeing.
They can:
- Listen to your concerns
- Explain your options
- Help you understand available support services
- Assist with safety planning
- Provide information about reporting pathways if you choose to explore them
You are in control of what information you share and what steps you take next.
What can Counselling and Wellbeing Services help with?
Counselling and Wellbeing Services provide a safe and confidential space to talk about challenges affecting your wellbeing.
This may include:
- Stress or anxiety
- Relationship difficulties
- Experiences that have left you feeling uncomfortable or unsafe
- Concerns about a friend or classmate
- Emotional impacts following a difficult experience
You don’t need to be in crisis to access support. Seeking support isn’t just for emergencies – it’s there to help you understand your options, protect your wellbeing and help create a safer, more respectful Curtin community.
Common reasons students seek support
Students contact support services for many different reasons, including:
- An interaction that made them feel uncomfortable
- Behaviour that crossed personal boundaries
- Concerns about consent or respectful relationships
- Harassment, discrimination or bullying
- Worry about the wellbeing of a friend
- Situations where they are unsure whether support is needed
If something is affecting your sense of safety or wellbeing, it’s okay to reach out. No concern is too minor. Seeking advice early can help you understand your options and decide what feels right for you.
What happens when you contact a support service?
The first step is simply having a conversation.
A staff member will listen to your concerns, discuss available options and help you identify what support may be helpful. You can ask questions, seek advice and take time to decide what feels right for you.
There is no expectation that you need to know exactly what happened or what outcome you want.
You decide what information you share, what support you access and what, if any, next steps you choose to take.
Seeking support does not automatically trigger a report
Many students worry that contacting a support service means they will have to make a formal report or start a process they are not ready for.
Seeking support is different from making a report.
You can access advice, information and support without making a formal complaint or providing details of an incident unless you choose to.
Reaching out for support is a positive step towards looking after yourself and helping create a safer and more respectful Curtin community.
Get Support
Speak with the Safer Community Team or Counselling and Wellbeing Services for advice, information and support. You can also visit the Respect Starts With You webpage to learn more about available support services, reporting options and creating a safe and respectful Curtin community.
If you have concerns about the safety, security or wellbeing of yourself or others, you can report an incident online, call our Safer Community Team on 08 9266 4444, or if it is an emergency call 000 for immediate police or ambulance assistance.
