This message was emailed to all students on 25 November 2025.
Content note: The following message refers to sensitive themes including gender-based violence.
Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, marking the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, an international campaign that runs until International Human Rights Day on 10 December.
Gender-based violence refers to any form of violence, abuse or harm directed at someone because of their gender, gender identity or perceived gender. It is rooted in unequal power dynamics and rigid gender norms that condone disrespect and inequality.
On average, every nine days a woman in Australia is killed by a man she knows. This devastating statistic underscores that gender inequality remains the key driver of gender-based violence, compounded by other intersecting systems of discrimination such as xenophobia, transphobia and ageism. These create layers of disadvantage and increase the risk of violence for many in our community. I reaffirm the University’s commitment to advancing gender equality and eliminating all forms of intersectional gender-based violence in the strongest possible terms.
Preventing gender-based violence begins with promoting respect, equality and inclusion in every space, including our campuses and communities. La Trobe plays an important role in leading community efforts to prevent gender-based violence and we recognise that gender equality is essential for violence prevention. The University aligns with key national reforms including the National Action Plan Addressing Gender-based Violence in Higher Education, which includes the introduction of the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence.
We also contribute through significant research initiatives such as the Partners in Prevention of Sexual Violence project, which recently secured $7.45 million in Federal Government funding. The Reducing Gender-based Violence Research Network (ReGEN) is a permanent part of the La Trobe Rural Health School and undertakes research into gender-based violence including sexual violence and across settings such as sport, homelessness, LGBTQ+ communities, child and parental health, and education.
Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, SAGE Athena SWAN Silver Action Plan, Sexual Harm Prevention and Response Action Plan, Universal Design and Inclusion Access Plan, Anti-Racism Action Plan 2025-2030, and Indigenous Strategy and Education, outline our vision to build a community where everyone is treated with dignity, respect and fairness.
Our Safe and Respected at La Trobe campaign reinforces that we are here to help anyone in our community who has experienced violence, and to challenge the attitudes and behaviours that allow it to persist. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, I want you to know that you are not alone. We believe you, it’s not your fault, and we are here to help.
The following confidential services and supports are available for all staff and students:
- Wellbeing Services, including Student Wellbeing Connect
- Safer Community Service
- Emergency – call Triple Zero: 000
- Campus security – 03 9479 2222
- Out-of-hours 24/7 mental health and wellbeing support – 1300 146 307 or text 0488 884 100
External support is also available:
- 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732
- Family Relationship Advice – 1800 050 321
- Lifeline – 131 114
- Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800
- Men’s Referral Service – 1300 766 491
- QLife – 1800 184 527
- Djirra – 1800 105 303
- 13Yarn – 13 92 76
- InTouch – 1800 755 988
Professor Theo Farrell
Vice-Chancellor