{"id":27468,"date":"2023-09-06T13:09:18","date_gmt":"2023-09-06T03:09:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/?p=27468"},"modified":"2025-09-30T10:01:54","modified_gmt":"2025-09-30T00:01:54","slug":"disclosure-versus-reporting-sexual-harm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/mylatrobe\/disclosure-versus-reporting-sexual-harm\/","title":{"rendered":"Disclosure versus Reporting for Sexual Harm, or Uncomfortable or Inappropriate Behaviour"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

*Trigger warning: the below relates to sexual harm.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn how to support someone if they disclose to you that they’ve experienced or witnessed something that has made them feel uncomfortable or upset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the difference between disclosing and reporting to Safer Community?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you or another student has experienced sexual harm, or any concerning, threatening or uncomfortable behaviour either on or off-campus, you can disclose or report to Safer Community<\/strong>. Safer Community<\/a> will listen, believe, and support you, discuss options for your support and safety and assist you in determining a course of action that is right for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disclosing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disclosing the incident is where an individual confides in someone else that they have been the victim of sexual harm, or concerning, threatening or inappropriate behaviour. You can disclose an incident to Safer Community for advice and support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reporting<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Formally reporting is where a student or staff member provides a formal account or statement about the sexual harm to the University. As a result, an internal investigation may commence determining if the conduct constitutes a breach of any relevant instruments, including the General Misconduct Statute 2009 (students). You can also make an anonymous report<\/strong> to Safer Community, however, it may limit our ability to respond, because we cannot contact you for further information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you choose to disclose or formally report any incident of sexual harm to Safer Community, the University may have to investigate the incident to comply with its legal obligations. An example of this is if the University believes that there is a serious risk to others, and the University needs to take appropriate action to ensure the safety of the community is upheld. If this happens, you have the right to choose whether you wish to participate in the investigation; you will be kept informed about what is happening, and we will support you throughout the process.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is sexual harm?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sexual harm is an umbrella term for any behaviour of a sexual nature that makes someone feel uncomfortable, frightened, intimidated, threatened, or coerced, or occurs without consent. This includes sexual assault, rape, sexual harassment, and other non-consensual sexual behaviours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sexual harm is never the fault of the victim<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sexual harm, including sexual assault and harassment, can happen to anyone and can happen anywhere. Sexual harm can be a traumatic experience, that can have a range of negative impacts, including shock, denial, fear, anxiety, and depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In an Emergency<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In an emergency or in circumstances of immediate danger:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Call police or emergency services \u2013 (24 hours) Triple Zero \u2018000\u2019<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. If on-campus then call Campus Security \u2013 (24 hours) 03 9479 8888. They need to be aware of the incident to let emergency services on campus if required and assist until their arrival.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    University support services:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n