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Information for students accused of gender-based violence

What is gender-based violence?

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

What happens if I am accused of gender-based violence?

You should get support and advice as soon as possible—there’s more information about how to get support and advice below.

What should I do?

  1. Get support

    Consider getting support from:

    1. The Student Wellbeing Advisory Service
    2. Curtin Psychological and Counselling Services or an external counselling service
    3. Someone who you trust to be your support person
    4. The Curtin Student Guild – Student Assist team

  2. Get advice

    You have the right to get legal advice from a lawyer.  You should consider getting legal advice that is specific to your situation.

  3. Consider your options

    You should keep copies of any records that might be relevant to the investigation (texts, snaps, whatever).  You can give the investigator the names of any witnesses that you think might have relevant information.

    You can bring a support person to any meeting.

  4. Don’t contact the discloser

    Don’t contact the person who made the allegation against you, whether in person, by text or online.  If you do, you might be faced with additional consequences for retaliating or victimising, even if you didn’t mean to do that.

  5. Keep things confidential

    Don’t talk or post about the matter online or with anyone who isn’t involved, but you can talk to your support person or Curtin and external support services.

This information is for general purposes only and is not legal advice. 
This information does not affect the University’s statutes, rules, by-laws, policies or procedures.