Content Note: The following article contains sensitive content, including themes of sexual harm. This may be distressing for some people. Visit Safer Community or Wellbeing Services to seek support as needed. In an emergency call Triple Zero: 000 (0 000 on University phones) and if on campus also call Campus Security on 03 9479 2222 (x2222 from University phones).
Sexual harm is never ok.
….but support is always available.
We know that sexual harm is common in Australian universities. We also know that some students don’t understand what sexual harm is and don’t know where to report or seek support if they witness or experience it.
At La Trobe we have free, confidential support services and safe reporting options if you have experienced sexual harm yourself, witness something or concerned about someone else.
Who are Safer Community?
La Trobe’s Safer Community service is a free and confidential support and reporting service for all La Trobe students and staff. If you witness or experience inappropriate, threatening or concerning behaviour (including sexual harm) whether in person or online, you can contact Safer Community via the website. The website also allows you to get in touch anonymously.
Want to know what to expect when you contact Safer Community? Visit What to expect when you contact Safer Community.
Who are Wellbeing Services?
Wellbeing Services offer free and confidential mental health and wellbeing support for students.
You can talk to Wellbeing staff about the impact of sexual harm — including online or tech‑facilitated abuse — as well as a wide range of other concerns, such as family or relationship issues, study stress, lack of motivation, homesickness, or feeling low or anxious. Whatever’s on your mind, support is available.
The Safe and Respected at La Trobe Campaign
You may have seen posters across campus sharing key messages about what sexual harm is, why it’s never okay and how to seek help and support.
La Trobe is currently running a five‑week awareness campaign, Safe and Respected at La Trobe, from 2 March to 3 April. The campaign aims to help prevent and respond to sexual harm and to guide students to the right support services. This work is part of La Trobe’s ongoing commitment to creating a campus environment where everyone feels safe, respected and supported.
Respect at La Trobe Training
You can help create a safer, more respectful campus by taking part in Respect at La Trobe Training, building the skills and confidence to recognise and respond to harmful behaviours.
Student Leaders Training: Responding to Disclosures of Gender-Based Violence
This workshop will equip student leaders with the skills to:
- recognise gender-based violence, including sexual harm
- respond supportively and without judgement if someone discloses that they are experiencing harm
- refer someone on to support, including appropriate pathways and processes
These sessions are open to all students and participants will receive a certificate once completed.
Content Note: This training contains discussion of gender-based violence, including sexual harm and family violence, and may be distressing for some people. Participants are advised to make their own assessment on the suitability of this workshop.
Upcoming dates:
Wednesday 1 April, 4pm – 5pm
Wednesday 1 July, 4pm – 5pm
Location:
Online via Zoom
LGBTIQA+ Ally Training
This program aims to create a more diverse and inclusive culture at La Trobe by increasing awareness and visibility of the issues facing lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, transgender, non-binary, intersex, queer, questioning, and asexual (LGBTIQA+) students and staff.
Ally training will cover the following:
- understanding commonly used terms
- experiences of young people from the LGBTIQA+ community
- recognising and responding to homophobia
- creating an inclusive culture and providing support
- skills to be an active bystander when you witness disrespectful behaviour
- valuing and celebrating LGBTIQA+ people and culture
Upcoming dates:
Thursday 2 April, 10am – 3pm
Location:
In person, Melbourne (Bundoora) campus
Supports at La Trobe
- Connect with La Trobe’s Wellbeing Services, including Student Wellbeing Connect.
- Out-of-hours mental health and wellbeing support can be accessed anytime 24 hours a day by calling 1300 146 307 or texting 0488 884 100.
Want to talk to someone outside of La Trobe? See these external supports:
- 1800 RESPECT: national sexual assault, domestic, family violence counselling service. Tel: 1800 737 732
- ESafety Commissioner: can help you report and deal with online abuse or illegal and restricted content.
- NCASA: 03 9496 2369, a sexual assault service located in Heidelberg. An NCASA counsellor also visits the Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus weekly and can be accessed through Wellbeing Services.
- CASACV: 03 5441 0430 for Bendigo students, trauma-informed counselling, advocacy and support for students who have experienced sexual assault, either recently or in the past. A CASACV counsellor visits the Bendigo Campus fortnightly and can be accessed through Wellbeing Services.
- Sexual Assault Crisis Line: provides crisis response, support and advocacy for people who have experienced sexual violence. After Hours Tel: 1800 806 292.
- Djirra: Djirra is a place where culture is shared and celebrated, and where practical support is available to all Aboriginal women and particularly to those who are experiencing or have experienced family violence. Tel: 1800 105 3030
- Daisy app: connecting women who are experiencing or have experienced sexual assault, and domestic and family violence to services in their state and the local area.
- QLife: Counselling for LGBTIQ people, by LGBTIQ people. Tel: 1800 184 527
- Men’s Line: free professional 24/7 telephone counselling support for men with concerns about mental health, anger management, family violence (using and experiencing), addiction, relationships, stress, and wellbeing. Tel: 1300 78 99 78.