We are committed to creating a healthy, safe and respectful culture that embraces and celebrates the diversity of our community of students and staff.
This means we strive to ensure our learning environments (on campus and online) are free from bullying, discrimination, harassment and sexual violence, instead working together to deliver an inclusive environment where every individual can succeed in their study or work.
When a person is forced, coerced or tricked into sexual acts against their will or without their consent, or if a child or young person under 18 is exposed to sexual activities.
Sexual assault is a form of sexual activity without explicit consent.
Sexual assault is attempted, or actual sexual contact performed without the active, verbal consent and positive physical cooperation of another individual.
"Any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favours or conduct of a sexual nature in relation to the person harassed in circumstances where a reasonable person would have anticipated the possibility that the person harassed would be offended, humiliated or intimidated..."
As defined by the Sex Discrimination Act 1984.
Free and voluntarily agreeing to sexual activity, and it also means taking responsibility for ensuring the other person is comfortable and agrees to engage in sexual activity with you. If someone is manipulated, threatened or forced into sex, or any sexual activity, or they are so intoxicated that they don't know what is going on, then they are not consenting.
Each and every time you engage in any sexual activity, you must have the other person's consent. Never assume that a person is consenting because they have previously said yes, because of the way they act or dress, or for any other reason.
Consent can be withdrawn at any time during a sexual encounter.
Sexual health is your right to have respectful sexual relationships free from violence, coercion, discrimination or stigma. Everyone has the right to good sexual health.
Sexual health covers:
- your sexual rights
- understanding your sexuality
- making informed decisions
- birth control
- protecting yourself from STIs and STDs (Sexually Transmitted Infections and Sexually Transmitted Diseases)
- avoiding unplanned pregnancy
Make a report here
You can make a report on behalf of yourself, someone else or anonymously, and it could relate to any of the following:
- Sexual Misconduct
- Bullying and/or discrimination
- Harassment and/or stalking
- Family/intimate partner violence
Refer to the FAQ for more information
Getting support
Our safer community team is ready to talk to you about any aspect of sexual assault, sexual harassment, family violence or any reason you have made the report. Keep in mind that you can report past incidents, online incidents, on behalf of someone else and anonymously.
We will work with you to identify the specific support you need, including counselling and help with academic matters such as applying for special consideration.
When you make a report, we will take a person-centred approach, which means we will respect your privacy and how you want to deal with the matter. If we believe there is a risk to the broader community, we may need to use the specific information you provide to protect others.
At all times, we will inform you how we use the information you provide - please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
As well as reporting an incident, you can choose to make a complaint about sexual assault or harassment at any time following the Student Complaints Policy for Think Education or Torrens University.
We will investigate the complaint, but we cannot decide whether a crime occurred. Instead, we might determine that the student or staff Code of Conduct has been breached. Sometimes, if you have also made a report to the Police, we will be asked to suspend an internal investigation not to jeopardise any criminal investigation. If this happens, we will let you know.
If you are 18 or over, we cannot report the matter to the police on your behalf.
We can support you if you decide to report the incident to the police. The police have specialist staff trained to deal with reported sexual offences.
If you are under 18, we must report sexual offences and misconduct to the police.
Support services and policies
- Beyond Blue: 1800 512 348
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
- 1800Respect 1800 737 732