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Gender-based violence, sexual harassment and sexual assault: support for students

Gender-based violence, sexual harassment and sexual assault are unacceptable. If you need assistance or support, we can help.

Access support services

Curtin offers a variety of free and confidential support services to support you if you have experienced, or been affected by, sexual harassment or sexual assault. You can get support without making a formal report.

Tell someone

If you’ve experienced gender-based violence, sexual harassment or sexual assault, the Safer Community Team or Student Wellbeing Advisory Service can provide support, connect you to appropriate services, and discuss your options.

What happens after you tell someone

Whether you reach out to the Safer Community Team or Student Wellbeing Advisory Service, they will follow a process to ensure you get the assistance you need. You will be in control the whole time, and can opt in or out of any step.

What is gender-based violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault and consent?

Gender-based violence

Gender-based violence means 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.

Gender-based violence can be physical, verbal, sexual, emotional, mental, socio-cultural, spiritual, and/or financial, and it can happen both in person and through digital technology – such as social media and apps.

Sexual harassment

Sexual harassment is defined as any unwanted or unwelcome sexual behaviour, which makes a person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated. It includes any interaction, flirtation or friendship which is not mutual or consensual.

Sexual assault

Sexual assault is when a person is forced, coerced or tricked into sexual acts against their will or without their consent, including when they have withdrawn their consent.

Sexual assault:

  • Is behaviour that the survivor has not invited or chosen
  • Can be one-off events, or part of a pattern of violence
  • May have a range of effects, including physical, emotional and psychological.

Sexual assault and other sexual offences are criminal offences.
Consent

Consent

Whenever you have sex, you need to make sure that your partner is just as enthusiastic about having sex. In other words, that they give their full consent. It’s important that you are 100% sure that the person you’re with is happy and willing because non-consensual sexual activity (even kissing and touching) is actually against the law.

Not only is sex without consent a crime, but being pressured or forced into a sexual situation you’re not ready for (also known as sexual assault) can do lasting emotional damage. It’s not enough to just assume someone wants sex as much as you, you really have to ask.

Sexual health resources

You can access a range of sexual health services at Curtin Health Service or contact your preferred medical practice to enquire about the following services:

Visit the sexual health webpage for access to a range of online sexual health resources.

Curtin’s commitment to staff and students

Respect is at the heart of all we do at Curtin. We are committed to a safe, inclusive and welcoming community where everyone is treated with dignity and supported to thrive.

Online training program

The Respectful Relationships online training program aims to equip students with a clear understanding of consent and communication in relationships, sexual or not. The program is mandatory for all students at Curtin’s Australian campuses.