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, in physical or online spaces please visit the Safer Community website to contact the service. You can also use the website to contact Safer Community anonymously.
Want to know what to expect when you contact Safer Community? Visit What to expect when you contact Safer Community.
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 services for students.
Students can talk to Wellbeing staff about the impact of sexual harm including online or tech facilitated abuse, or other things like family issues, relationships, stress about university, lack of motivation, stress at home, homesickness, feeling low or anxious, etc. Whatever issues you want to talk about!
The Safe and Respected at La Trobe Campaign
You may have seen the campaign online and on posters across campus – on pillars, bulletin boards, cafes, libraries and on footpaths at Bundoora and Bendigo. The posters have key messages outlining what sexual harm is, that sexual harm is never ok, and how to seek help and support.
The campaign aims to help prevent and respond to sexual harm and inform students of reporting and support options. This is part of La Trobe’s commitment to create a campus environment where everyone feels safe, respected and supported.
Get involved and build your skills through Respect at La Trobe Training!
You can play an active role in creating a safer, more respectful campus by joining Responding to Disclosures training. The training is delivered by students, for students– in a one-hour session building the skills and confidence to recognize 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:
Thursday 13 August
TBC
Location:
Online via Zoom
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.