Sexual assault, harassment and trauma

Get support or give support to someone you know affected by sexual assault or harassment. Charles Sturt has a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment.

We are here for you if you need support.

I need help right now

If you have recently experienced or witnessed any form of sexual violence, get yourself to a safe place as soon as possible.

Steps to follow in an emergency

Contact Campus Security on 1800 931 633

Talk to someone

Report it to the...

  • Police: if you are thinking of reporting the violence to the police it is important that you do not change your clothes, comb your hair or wash yourself. This may remove evidence.
  • University: help us; by reporting the incident (or matter) to Charles Sturt, you assist in our commitment of working towards zero cases of sexual misconduct and harassment

If you or someone you know is in a life-threatening situation, please:

Call Triple Zero (000)

for police, fire brigade or ambulance assistance

Start a confidential conversation

Once you complete our online form, you'll get support from an experienced counsellor whether the incident happened at University or not.

You do not need to give long answers, when filling out our contact form. You can just write "I would prefer to talk about this in person" or “Prefer not to say” if it's difficult to write about.

We'll respond to every report as soon as possible, and we want you to know you'll be supported along the way. All it takes is making the first step.

Request an appointment

What happens when I disclose an incident of sexual misconduct?

Download FAQ [pdf]

Access support

Sexual assault or harassment can happen anywhere:

  • Workplace Learning placements
  • On campus residential accommodation
  • Lectures and tutorials classes
  • University related events (on or off campuses)
  • Post Graduate programs (Research programs)
  • Online spaces
  • On campus grounds and facilities (library)

We have trained counsellors who can support you or other students you know who are affected by instances of sexual assault or sexual harassment recently or in the past. Even when you are unsure about an incident, we are here to support you.

We can also provide support to staff and student leaders about how to support a student who has disclosed an incident to you.

You don't have to make a formal complaint to get support from our Prevention and Support Specialist Counsellor, all you need to do is reach out and get in touch.

Definitions of sexual misconduct

Sexual assault is any sexual acts without consent. It can include being forced, coerced, or tricked into an act or any unwanted behaviours.

Learn more about sexual assault

Harassment It is an unacceptable violation of your rights. Sexual harassment may also be a crime. Sexual harassment is unwanted sexual behaviour that a reasonable person would consider to be offensive, humiliating or intimidating in the circumstances. The intention of the person doing the harassing is irrelevant.

Learn more about harassment

Indecent assault is unwanted touching of a person's body by another person. For example, it can include kissing or inappropriate touching of a person's breasts, bottom or genitals.

Domestic and family violence is a crime as defined in the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act NSW 2007.

Domestic and family violence occurs when there is violence, abuse, or bullying behaviour towards you by someone who has a close relationship with you. The behaviour or actions are intended to scare and control, and it can happen at home or outside the home.

Domestic and family violence can happen to anyone regardless of culture, age, education, gender or sexual orientation. Domestic and family violence can refer to intimate partner abuse or abuse between siblings, parents, children, grandparents, aunts and uncles.

Behaviours online can also be considered sexual abuse and can be criminal acts.

This can include sharing intimate images without consent or threatening to share them without consent, online stalking, and online sexual harassment.

Find out more about online behaviours which are considered abuse, and how to respond at the eSafety Commission website.

Not all types of abuse are considered a crime under legislation. However, abuse can still cause harm and people who experience this can still access support services.

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