Definitions and frequently asked questions

I just want to talk to someone and I’m not ready to decide if I want to report yet. Can I still get help?

Yes. Regardless of whether you decide to report, the university has resources available, such as counselling and academic support. You can view this disclosure flowchart to get a general overview, and also talk to Student Safety and Wellbeing, a Personal Violence Counsellor or SASH Responder about the options that are available.

Where do I go if I need support?

This flowchart provides an overview of support options available to you if you have experienced sexual harm or violence.   It doesn’t matter if the incident occurred recently or a long time ago, if it happened on-campus or off-campus, or whether you are a student or a staff member.

Support is always available, and we encourage you to make use of the free and confidential services at Griffith University or those outside of the University if you prefer.

• Student Safety and Wellbeing provides confidential support for disclosures of concerning, threatening or inappropriate behaviour. We will listen impartially to your concerns, help you find the support you need, and provide advice on your reporting options.
• SASH Responders are staff from across the university who have been trained to respond to disclosures of harm. SASH Responders can talk to you about the support and reporting options available.
• Student Associations (SRC and Gold Coast Student Guild) may be able to assist with emergency accommodation and vouchers and have staff employed to provide support, advice, and advocacy assistance to students.
• LGBTI+ students may wish to seek support from the LGBTI+ Counselling Service.  LGBTI+ students and staff can also seek support from a Griffith Ally.

For more information, see Reporting and Disclosure.

Can I access support anonymously?

On-campus support services can be accessed confidentially; however, your student number will be required. This includes Counselling, Health and Medical, Student Safety and Wellbeing and other supports.

Students can access the Griffith Mental Wellbeing Support Line on 1300 107 442 or text 0488 884 146, 24 hours/7 days a week and can choose to remain anonymous or be identified for the purpose of referral to on-campus or other safety and support services.

You can contact 1800RESPECT anonymously on 1800 737 732, chat online via 1800RESPECT.org.au or text 0458 737 732. This National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service is a free, 24 hour a day/7 day a week service.

If I experienced sexual violence off-campus or before I enrolled or started working at Griffith University, can I still get help?

Yes. Confidential support is available to any Griffith student or staff member, regardless of when and where harm occurred. We encourage individuals to access support services during their study and/or employment at the University.

Short-term student support including resources or referrals is available through Counselling and Wellbeing . Call 5552 9600 or email counsellor@griffith.edu.au to arrange a confidential appointment, or click here to request to be contacted by the Counsellor, Violence Response & Prevention.

Staff can access counselling, including specialised domestic and family violence support, through the Workplace Wellbeing and Counselling Program.

HDR Students can choose to utilise either student or staff counselling services.

I am an international student, should I tell the University?

Disclosing to the university is your choice. If you experience sexual harm and report it to the University or police, it will not effect your enrolment at university or your Visa.

You can access free and confidential support, information, and counselling services at the university. In addition, our International Student Advisors can offer support and information for a range of matters including general welfare and personal issues that may affect your life in Australia and ability to study.

The University will continue to support victim-survivors to help reduce any impact on students’ experience and study while at University. While investigating your report, the University will:

• take your complaint seriously;
• maintain confidentiality; and
• keep records of your report.

I am an online student, can I access support?

Online campus students can access the same support and reporting options as those based on-campus.  Online students are welcome to visit campus to access services if they wish.  Alternatively, Counselling and Wellbeing services include phone and video counselling.

How do I access health and medical support?

Griffith's Health and Medical Services are available for all staff and students and located at Nathan and Gold Coast campuses.  Services may be available via telehealth where appropriate.

There are a range of health and medical services external to the university also - see the Health and Medical Support tab under FAQs for more information.

Can the University support students with their academic work?

People who have been impacted by harmful behaviours can experience a range of trauma-related effects which may in turn have a significant impact on their studies.

We are here to help you. The university can support you to apply for special consideration, assignment extension, assessment deferral or withdrawal due to special circumstances.

You are encouraged to contact Counselling & Wellbeing or Student Safety and Wellbeing to make an appointment to discuss emotional and academic support options. University support services experience peak times close to assessment periods.  If you have concerns about how trauma is impacting your studies, we encourage you to reach out as early in trimester as possible.

An allegation of sexual harm or misconduct has been made against me, what should I do?

The University will support all individuals impacted by incidents of harm.  Students or staff accused of sexual harm or misconduct can take the following steps:

• Seek support:
  • Students can book an appointment with Griffith’s Student Safety and Wellbeing and/or Student Health, Counselling and Wellbeing.
  • Staff can access the Workplace Wellbeing and Counselling Program.
  • External services are also available for individuals’ displaying signs of harm and violence.
• Review details of the report - In line with procedural fairness, when a formal report has been made you will be provided with details of the allegation/s and given an opportunity to respond. Accessing support services while navigating this process can assist you to make informed decisions and actions.
• Find out about the investigation process - you are entitled to understand your rights and the process of a university investigation. You can access information about policies and procedures here:
  • Student Reports of Bullying, Harassment, Discrimination and Sexual Harm Procedure
  • Sexual Harm Prevention and Response Policy (staff and students)
• All reports made to the University will be handled in a procedurally fair manner. The health, wellbeing and academic progress of all parties will be supported in line with the University’s duty of care.  The University will take all reasonable steps to ensure that the reporting, investigation and resolution process is trauma-informed.

What does confidential mean?

Personally identifiable information, such as your name, student number, or address, will not be disclosed to others without your consent. Across Griffith, we will maintain privacy and confidentiality and will not disclose information to others unless:

• you ask us/give us permission to do so
• we are required by law or
• reasons such as significant safety risk to you or someone else.

What is consent?

Sexual consent is the free and voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity of any kind. The age of consent to sexual activity in Queensland is 16 years, or 18 years where there is an impairment of the mind.  The age of consent to sexual activity and the definition of consent varies across Australian state and territory jurisdictions as well as internationally.

Consent will not be considered to have been given where a person is incapable of consenting to the activity because they are:

• asleep;
• unconscious; or
• intoxicated by alcohol or any other substance to the point of being incapable of giving consent to sexual activity

Affirmative consent means that consent cannot be assumed where a person:

• is silent
• is not fighting back (an absence of physical resistance does not equal consent)
• does not say ‘no’ or says ‘maybe’ (an absence of verbal protest does not equal consent)
• is forced or coerced
• is threatened
• is manipulated by authority.

How do I learn more about consent?

Sex and Respect: It's On All Of Us is a free online module that encourages you to participate in a conversation about what contributes to healthy, respectful relationships, whatever your gender, sexuality or relationship status.

You can complete Sex and Respect: It's On All of Us on Learning@Griffith (available soon).

The following short animation may also help increase your understanding of consent: Cycling Through Consent.

What is coercion and manipulation?

Coercion and manipulation involve persuading, influencing, or controlling someone to do something using threats, dishonesty, or pressure as well as exploitation of someone’s trust or abusing one’s power/authority. For example, someone:

• Is making you feel like you owe them
• Continues to pressure or badger you
• Makes you feel afraid or threatened if you say no

What if I was intoxicated or under the influence of drugs at the time of sexual assault?

Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs can prevent a person from being able to consent to sexual acts with another person. It is a crime to engage in sexual acts with a person who cannot consent due to being intoxicated or drugged.

What is sexual harm?

Sexual harm is any unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature. Sexual harm includes sexual assault, rape, sexual harassment, sex-based harassment, and any other unwanted sexual behaviour, whether online or in person. The behaviour may result in a person feeling uncomfortable, frightened, distressed, intimidated, or harmed either physically or psychologically.

What is sexual misconduct?

Sexual misconduct is a broad term that incorporates any misconduct of a sexual nature or with a sexual element which the University can respond to. It includes Sexual Harassment, sexual assault, sex-based discrimination, and other related forms of behaviour. Sexual misconduct can be reported to the University via Report a Concern.  When a report of sexual misconduct is substantiated, it will be handled under the relevant student or staff misconduct process.

What is sexual assault?

Sexual assault is unlawful and indecent assault or procuring a person to commit those. A child sex offence is a different offence.  Sexual assault is any act of a sexual nature carried out against a person’s will through the use of physical force, intimidation or coercion, including any attempts to do this. This includes rape and attempted rape. Sexual assault occurs 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.

Consent must be freely and voluntarily given by a person with the cognitive capacity to do so.  Consent is not freely and voluntarily given if a person is:

• forced to engage in the sexual act;
• unconscious or asleep;
• under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• threatened or intimidated
• in fear of bodily harm, or
• under a mistaken belief that the person was their sexual partner.

See also ‘what is consent?’.

What is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome sexual advance, unwelcome request for sexual favours or other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature in circumstances where a reasonable person, having regard to all the circumstances, would anticipate the possibility that the person harassed would be offended, humiliated or intimidated.

A single incident is enough to constitute sexual harassment – it does not have to be repeated. Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to:

• Intentional and unwelcome acts of physical intimacy including touching or kissing
• Requests or demands (directly or by implication) for sexual favours
• Repeated sexual requests or requests for dates after the person has said no
• Persistent comments on how a person looks or is dressed
• Persistent comments on a person’s sex life or sexuality
• Sexually explicit emails, text messages, social media posts or messages
• Degrading sexual jokes and comments
• Sexually explicit banter or conversation
• Sex-based insults, taunts or name-calling
• Staring or leering

What is sex-based harassment?

Sex-based harassment is defined as unwelcome conduct of a seriously demeaning nature by reason of the person’s sex in circumstances in which a reasonable person would have anticipated the possibility that the person harassed would be offended, humiliated or intimidated.

Examples of sex-based harassment include:

• asking intrusive personal questions based on a person’s sex
• making inappropriate comments and jokes to a person based on their sex
• displaying images or materials that are sexist, misogynistic or misandrist
• making sexist, misogynistic or misandrist remarks about a specific person
• requesting a person to engage in degrading conduct based on their sex.

What is sex discrimination?

Sex discrimination occurs when someone is treated less favourably because of their sex, gender identity, intersex status, sexual orientation, marital or relationship status, family responsibilities, because they are pregnant or might become pregnant or because they are breastfeeding.

What is sexual exploitation?

Any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust for sexual purposes. It includes profiting monetarily, socially, or politically from sexual exploitation of another.

What is positive duty?

Under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth), the University as an employer, has a duty to take reasonable and proportionate measures to eliminate, as far as possible, certain discriminatory conduct including sex discrimination, sexual harassment and  sex-based harassment in a workplace context, as well as conduct that amounts to subjecting a person to a hostile work environment on the ground of sex;  and certain acts of victimisation.

Other types of disrespectful behaviour

What is harassment?

Harassment is repeated behaviour that is directed at an individual or group of students or staff and is offensive, humiliating, intimidating or threatening. The behaviour is often unwelcome and makes it difficult for effective work or study to be conducted.

Harassment occurs in circumstances where a reasonable person would have expected that the behaviour was going to be offensive, humiliating or intimidating and may be sexual in nature or based on gender, race, disability, sexual orientation or a range of other factors listed in the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Act (1991).

What is bullying?

Bullying is repeated, unreasonable behaviour by an individual or group, directed towards an individual or group, either physical or psychological in nature, that intimidates, offends, degrades, humiliates, undermines or threatens.

What is cyber-bullying and cyber-abuse?

Cyberbullying is bullying that occurs towards a child using technology e.g. online and/or via mobile phones and other devices.  Cyber-abuse is when the internet is used to send, post or share content that is harmful to the physical or mental health of someone who is 18 or older.

Image-based abuse is a form of sexual harm and involves sharing, or threatening to share, an intimate image or video of a person without their consent.

What is discrimination?

Discrimination occurs when a person is treated less favourably than another person because of an attribute (direct discrimination), or when a requirement that is the same for everyone has an unfair effect on some people because of an attribute (indirect discrimination).

The grounds under which discrimination is unlawful and on which discrimination in this policy is based are stated in the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Act (1991).

Attributes

• age;
• race (includes colour, descent, ethnic origin, and nationality or national origin);
• impairment (covers most physical and psychological conditions, and includes reliance of a guide, hearing, or assistance dog, wheelchair or other remedial device, as well as present and past impairments);
• sex;
• sexuality/sexual orientation (including but not limited to heterosexuality, homosexuality or bisexuality);
• gender identity (a person may identify as a member of the opposite sex, or is of indeterminate sex and seeks to live as a member of a particular sex);
• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• family responsibilities and parental status (responsibility to care for or support a child or other member of immediate family, includes being a step-parent, adoptive parent, foster parent, or guardian);
• political belief or activity;
• relationship status (whether a person is single, married, married but separated, divorced, widowed, de facto partner, or civil partner);
• religious belief or activity (includes not holding a religious belief, and not engaging in lawful religious activity); and
• association with, or relation to, a person identified on the basis of any of the above attributes.

How do people react to trauma?

It is important to remember that what is happening to you/the survivor is A NORMAL REACTION to an ABNORMAL event. These reactions may include (but are not limited to):

How can I increase my ability to cope following an incident?

However painful your current thoughts and feelings are, they are all a normal part of the healing process. There are some things that you can do to reduce their impact.

Things to try:

• Seek counselling. You might like to access Griffith's Counselling and Wellbeing service, or a service outside of the university. You do not need to disclose anything you don’t wish to and counselling will be at your own pace.
• Remember you are normal and having normal reactions to an abnormal situation - do not label yourself crazy.
• Understand and accept that you will have good days and not-so-good days - that is normal.
• Periods of strenuous physical exercise, alternated with relaxation, may alleviate some of the physical reactions.
• Keep your life as normal as possible - create or keep routines with healthy distractions to keep yourself busy.
• Talk to people and spend time with them. You do not need to disclose what you went through but having people you can chat to can help.
• Be wary of numbing the pain with overuse of drugs and alcohol. This can provide short term numbness, but it often amplifies emotions, feelings and reactions, and prolongs healing and recovery.
• Drink water and eat nourishing, well balanced meals.
• Carefully consider (and consider delaying any) important life changes.
• Regain control and empower yourself by making as many day-to-day decisions as possible.

How can I help someone else to cope?

If you are responding to a disclosure of harm, it is important to respond with empathy and compassion.  Empower the person by ensuring they are informed with correct information to make their own decisions. Provide information about, or a warm referral to support at the University.  See ‘Accessing Support’ for more information.

When should I seek medical assistance?

Medical assistance is encouraged following all forms of assault and violence, to assess and treat any physical injuries, sexually transmitted infections and check in on your mental health.

If there has been any sustained pressure to the upper region of the body – chest, neck, shoulders, upper back – particularly if it has led to any loss of consciousness (dizziness, blacking out, ‘losing’ moments or events within the assault), should be mentioned to a medical practitioner to assess for signs of strangulation and related longer-term impacts.

Emergencies

For all medical emergencies, call 000 for ambulance from any phone or 112 from a mobile.

If you are on campus and call 000, please contact the Campus Support Team (1800 800 707) also so that they can arrange to meet and direct emergency services to the location.

Forensic medical examinations

In Queensland, a forensic medical examination is the process for the collection and documentation of medico-legal evidence where appropriate. This can be done in conjunction with a report to police or in instances where an adult, who has not reported their assault to police, chooses to have a forensic examination just in case they decide to make a complaint to police later. Evidence can be held for 12 months.

More information is available through Queensland Health or by speaking you’re your GP, other doctor or support services.

On campus Health and Medical Service

Health and Medical Service at Nathan and Gold Coast campuses is available to all students and staff. The service provides consultations with doctors and nurses including mental health, sexual health, travel information, vaccination, health promotion, emergency and first aid treatment.

Gold Coast - Phone: (07) 5552 8734 (M-F 8.30- 4.30)

Nathan - Phone: (07) 3735 7299 (M-F 9:00-5:00)

Digital Campus - Phone (07) 3735 7299 or email StudentHCW@griffith.edu.au.

Pharmacy (Nathan campus only)

Off campus services

For health and medical attention away from campus and/or after hours, you can visit the emergency department of a nearby public hospital, or visit your General Practitioner (GP).

You should always present your Medicare or OSHC card when visiting a health service.

The following hospitals are located around south-east Queensland:

• Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital (nearby Brisbane City)- Phone: (07) 3646 8111
• QE11 Jubilee Hospital (nearby Nathan campus) - Phone: (07) 3182 6111
• Logan Hospital (nearby Logan campus) - Phone: (07) 3299 8899
• Gold Coast University Hospital (opposite Gold Coast campus) - Phone: 1300 744 284
• Robina Hospital (Gold Coast) - Phone: (07) 5668 6000
• Ipswich Hospital - Phone: (07) 3810 1111

Queensland Health Sexual Assault Service

The Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) provides support directly following a sexual assault and follow up counselling and support in the early stages of recovery - Phone: (07) 3646 5207.

Ipswich Hospital emergency department can also provide support directly following a sexual assault and follow up counselling and support - Phone: (07) 3810 1111

Queensland Health provides an online directory of state-wide sexual assault services.

Reporting to Griffith University

What does the process and my options look like at Griffith?

This flowchart provides an overview of the reporting and support options both at and external to the University.  You can find out more information about the difference between disclosures and reports on the Reporting a Concern page.

How/where do I report to the University?

You can lodge an informal disclosure or formal report online. You can also submit a report or disclosure with the assistance of Student Safety and Wellbeing.

Before notifying the University online, you might choose to speak to someone:

• Student Safety and Wellbeing will discuss your options and support your decisions.
• Personal Violence Counsellors provide priority access to free and confidential counselling for students and HDRs.
• The Mental Wellbeing Support Line provides 24/7 support for students and HDRs.
• SASH Responders can discuss options for reporting and support for sexual harm.
• Harassment & Discrimination Contact Officers can discuss options for reporting and support for other disrespectful behaviours.
• Student Associations (SRC, GUPSA, Guild, GCAP) can provide support and advocacy.
• Campus Support Team can provide safety support on campus.
• Workplace wellbeing and counselling program can provide support for staff and HDRs

If I report or disclose to Griffith University, can I remain anonymous?

Yes. An anonymous disclosure may be appropriate if an individual does not wish the University to respond to the disclosure but would like a record made of the incident or behaviour. The University treats all reports seriously but it is important to note that it may or may not be able to fully investigate, provide notice of a decision or take action to resolve the concern when the source of the report is unknown.

Who can lodge a report?

Anyone can report an incident to Griffith University – a survivor, witness or support person.

If you are reporting something which happened to another person and you identify them in the report you must have the consent of that person before you report an incident about them on their behalf.

What information do I need to provide?

Identity - You will be asked to provide identifying details such as name/s of the individuals involved in the incident.  The person reporting may choose remain anonymous, or may choose to disclose identifying information also.

Incident – you will be asked to provide as much information as possible about the incident including location, date and time and details of the alleged behaviour/s.

Purpose – you will be asked to consider what type of action you are comfortable with the University taking.  This might include precautionary actions, an investigation, or NO action.

How does the University decide if sexual misconduct has occurred?

For the University to substantiate an allegation of sexual misconduct, it will make a finding under the civil standard of proof also known as the balance of probabilities (which essentially means that it was more likely than not that something occurred in a certain way). The University’s expectations relating to the prevention of sexual harm and Student and Staff conduct more broadly are outlined within the Sexual Harm Prevention and Response Policy, the Student Charter, and the Staff Code of Conduct

What if I am dissatisfied with the outcome of the University's investigation?

The University will inquire and make a decision about an allegation of sexual misconduct according to the rules of procedural fairness. If either party disagrees with the final decision they can appeal the decision.

What does confidential mean?

Personally identifiable information, such as your name, student number, or address, will not be disclosed without your consent. We maintain confidentiality and will not disclose anything to anybody about you unless:

• you ask us to do so
• give permission to do so
• we are required by law or
• there are compelling reasons such as significant risk to you or someone else.

What are the University's limits to confidentiality?

The University supports individuals to manage their response on their own terms and when they feel safe and confident to do so, however there are some occasions where limits to confidentiality must be observed by the University:

• child abuse and neglect
• continued or immediate threat to the safety of the survivor or others.
• incidents of sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment which occur during the delivery of DFAT funded programs

Student Safety and Wellbeing or the Counsellor, Violence Response and Prevention can help you to understand these limitations.

Can I report directly to the police?

Yes. In an emergency dial 000. Otherwise, contact Police Link (131 444) or visit your nearest police station and make a formal complaint. 

Alternative Reporting Options (ARO) provides an opportunity to report sexual violence to the Police anonymously and informally. The purpose of completing an ARO is not to enable a criminal investigation to take place but it can help police to take measures to protect the community and reduce repeat offending.  It is important to note that the questionnaire does ask for detail about the incident.  If you decide to complete the questionnaire, it is highly recommended that you have a friend with you to help you.  Completing the questionnaire may be very distressing for you.

Emergency

For all emergencies call 000 to request Police, Fire or Ambulance services.

If you are on campus and call 000, please also contact the Campus Support Team on freecall 1800 800 707 as soon as possible so that they can arrange to meet and direct emergency services to the location.

On campus:

The Campus Support team provides safety and security services across Griffith’s campuses.  Services are available 24-hours on all main Griffith University campuses. You can contact the team on 1800 800 707 (free call) anywhere on campus.

Note: at Southbank, the QCGU team is available during building open hours. After this time, the QCAD (Qld College of Art and Design) team are available.

Security Escort Service

The Campus Support Team offers a Security Escort Service to staff and students on each campus to aide in feeling safe when moving around the campus. Security escorts may be pre-arranged for other times during the day.

Night bus services also run from the Gold Coast and Nathan campuses to drop off points in the local area.

Find more information about security escort services at Griffith University, or contact the team on 1800 800 707.

Student Safety and Wellbeing

Student Safety and Wellbeing provide confidential support for disclosures of concerning, threatening or inappropriate behaviour.  Note: this is a business hours service.

Griffith University Village at Gold Coast campus

In an emergency, contact emergency services 000 then contact Residents’ Assistant on phone 0402 548 975 and/or Griffith University Village Afterhours Management (5pm – 7am) on phone 0422 839 875.

Online safety

The e-Safety Commissioner provides a range of information and resources to assist young people, educators, parents, women and seniors to stay safe online.  Resource topics include cyberbullying, pressure to send nudes, consent when sharing information and photos, trolling, catfishing and more.

Off campus safety

Contact emergency services on 000 if there is an immediate risk.

If there is no immediate risk, contact Police Link on 131 444 or attend your local Police Station.

Your local sexual assault, domestic and family violence service can assist with other options such as personal safety, accommodation and external reporting.

What if someone I know tells me they were assaulted?

Help them to feel believed and supported and to access specialist support at or external to the university. Your support can make a large difference to their healing.

Learn more about how to respond to a disclosure about sexual violence and complete the University's responding to disclosures module: Recognise. Respond. Refer. for staff and for students.

This flowchart provides an overview of the support and reporting options available both at and external to the University and is helpful when supporting someone who has disclosed to you.

How do I support a survivor of sexual harm or violence?

The most helpful thing you can do is to listen, show empathy and compassion and keep the conversation firmly focussed on support options.  Avoid discussing the details and ensure referral options are provided.  See Responding to a Disclosure for more information.

How do I support someone who has been accused of sexual harm or sexual misconduct?

Here are a few ways you might help someone in this situation:

• Listen to them and refrain from judgement, commentary or choosing sides.
• Provide information about their options for seeking additional support. In particular you should mention Student Safety and Wellbeing and Counselling & Wellbeing.

The most helpful thing you can do is to keep the conversation focussed on support options and avoid discussing the details of the alleged incident or behaviour.

Self-care - can I access support too?

Hearing disclosures can be triggering and distressing. You are encouraged to seek emotional support and debrief about the disclosure with a counsellor, SASH Responder, Student Safety and Wellbeing or other relevant support.

It is vital that you maintain confidentiality and not reveal identifying details about the disclosure to another party without their consent.

How can I learn about Griffith University's policy and procedures?

You can find all relevant policies and procedures in the online policy library.  For concerns or allegations of sexual assault and sexual harassment, you can refer to:

• Sexual Harm Prevention and Response Policy

You can also speak to Student Safety and Wellbeing or a Harassment and Discrimination Contact Officer to learn more about the University's policies and procedures.