{"id":31955,"date":"2026-08-18T08:51:16","date_gmt":"2026-08-18T00:51:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/?post_type=oasis-news&#038;p=31955"},"modified":"2026-08-18T08:51:21","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T00:51:21","slug":"you-can-talk-about-what-happened-without-making-a-report","status":"publish","type":"oasis-news","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/oasis-news\/you-can-talk-about-what-happened-without-making-a-report\/","title":{"rendered":"You can talk about what happened without making a report"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Reading time: 4 minutes<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If something has happened that has left you feeling uncomfortable, unsafe or unsure, you may not know what to do next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and supported at Curtin. As part of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/values-vision-strategy\/respect-at-curtin\/respect-starts-with-you\/\"><strong>Respect Starts With You<\/strong><\/a> initiative, Curtin is committed to creating a community where students feel comfortable seeking support, asking questions and speaking up when something doesn&#8217;t feel right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some students worry that talking to someone will automatically trigger a formal process. Others stay silent because they&#8217;re not ready to make a report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But there is another option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can speak with a support service, ask questions and explore your options without making a formal complaint. Reaching out does not mean you have to take a particular path &#8211; you remain in control of what you share and what happens next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does &#8220;Tell Someone&#8221; mean?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Tell Someone&#8221; is about starting a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It means sharing a concern, experience or situation with someone who can listen, provide information and help you understand your options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You don&#8217;t need to have all the details, know exactly what happened or be ready to take action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sometimes the first step is simply talking to someone about what&#8217;s been on your mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speaking up can help you access support, better understand your options and contribute to a safer and more respectful Curtin community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What&#8217;s the difference between talking, telling and reporting?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These terms are often used interchangeably, but they can mean different things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Talking<\/strong> means seeking advice, support or information about a situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Telling someone<\/strong> means sharing an experience or concern so you can better understand your options and access support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Reporting<\/strong> is a formal process where information is provided to the University or another organisation so action can be considered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can talk or tell someone without making a formal report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/values-vision-strategy\/respect-at-curtin\/respect-starts-with-you\/\"><strong>Respect Starts With You<\/strong><\/a> webpage provides more information about support options, reporting pathways and how Curtin works to create a safe and respectful environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why can sharing an experience help?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many students find it helpful to talk through an experience with someone they trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sharing what happened can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Help you make sense of the situation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduce feelings of isolation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide clarity about available options<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Connect you with support services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Help you decide what, if any, next steps feel right for you<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is no right or wrong way to respond to a difficult experience, and there is no timeline for seeking support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can the Safer Community Team help?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Safer Community Team can listen to your concerns and explain the support and reporting options available to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Provide advice and information<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Discuss safety concerns<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Connect you with support services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Explain reporting pathways<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Help you understand what different options involve<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Their role is to support you in making informed decisions, not to pressure you into taking action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Seeking support is an important step in looking after yourself and helping build a community where everyone feels safe and respected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Do I need to make a report if I contact the Safer Community Team?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. You can seek advice, information and support without making a formal report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What if I&#8217;m not sure what happened?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can still reach out. You don&#8217;t need to know whether something &#8220;counts&#8221; before seeking support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What if it happened a long time ago?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Support is available regardless of when an incident occurred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Can I contact someone about a friend?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. If you&#8217;re concerned about someone else, support services can provide advice on how best to support them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What if I don&#8217;t know what I want to do?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That&#8217;s okay. Many students reach out before they&#8217;ve decided what, if any, action they want to take.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tell Someone<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Share what happened and explore your options without starting a formal process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/values-vision-strategy\/respect-at-curtin\/respect-starts-with-you\/\"><strong>Respect Starts With You<\/strong><\/a> webpage to learn more about speaking up, accessing support and creating a safer Curtin community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you&#8217;re not ready to report<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That&#8217;s okay. Support is still available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You don&#8217;t have to go through this alone or have all the answers right away. If and when you&#8217;re ready to talk, Curtin&#8217;s Safer Community and Student Wellbeing teams are here to help on your terms, at your pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you ever feel unsafe or want to talk to someone about an incident of sexual harassment, sexual assault or any other form of gender-based violence, please reach out. Curtin is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for every student, every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If someone discloses gender-based violence to you<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>LISTEN<\/strong> to them with compassion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SUPPORT<\/strong> them and ensure their immediate safety and wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>CONNECT<\/strong> them with support services:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Safer Community Team \u2013 (08) 9266 4444<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Student Wellbeing Advisory Service \u2013 1800 244 043<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you also need support, you should contact these services too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Supporting someone else starts with respect, compassion and helping them access the support they need.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Many students think their only options are staying silent or making a formal complaint. In reality, there is a middle ground. You can talk to someone, understand your options and access support when you are ready. | Reading time: 4 min.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4492,"featured_media":31956,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_oasis_is_in_workflow":0,"_oasis_original":0,"_oasis_task_priority":"","_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"7620,6657,6582,4897,5047,5401","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","wds_primary_oasis-categories":0,"footnotes":""},"oasis-categories":[146],"class_list":["post-31955","oasis-news","type-oasis-news","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","oasis-categories-student-life"],"acf":{"post_options":{"":null,"banner":{"image":false}}},"featured_image":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Oasis-30-1000x840.jpg","author_meta":{"first_name":"Rachel","last_name":"Pratt","display_name":"Rachel Pratt"},"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-08-25 11:34:48","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"oasis-categories","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/oasis-news\/31955","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/oasis-news"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/oasis-news"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4492"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/oasis-news\/31955\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31956"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31955"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"oasis-categories","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/oasis-categories?post=31955"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}