TRIGGER WARNING: The following content contains themes that may be distressing or triggering for some readers, including references to sexual violence, trauma and emotional distress. Please take care while reading and consider your wellbeing before continuing.
- Immediate Steps You Can Take
- What is Sexual Misconduct
- How can I make a report to NSW Police?
- How can I make a report to the University
- What happens after I make a report?
- What happens in an Investigation?
- What will happen to the alleged offender?
- What will happen to your personal information?
- Can I change my mind and make a report later?
- Will making a report affect my accommodation, grades, job or visa?
- Immediate Help
Immediate Steps You Can Take
Prioritise your safety, both physically and emotionally. If needed, call emergency services (000) or reach out to a helpline like 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) for support.
Speak with someone you trust, such as a close friend or family member, for guidance and assistance.
Seek medical care at a hospital, your local Doctor, or a sexual assault support service. If you’ve recently experienced sexual assault, a doctor can provide emergency contraception, test for sexually transmitted infections, and discuss the option of a rape kit, which involves collecting evidence such as DNA samples from your body or clothing.
What is Sexual Misconduct
Sexual misconduct includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, sexual touching, sexual acts, making or distributing sexually explicit photos or videos without consent and conduct involving child abuse material, or unauthorised sharing of explicit images.
Sexual misconduct is a serious matter and is not tolerated. The University has steps in place to assist victims and to investigate reports of sexual misconduct involving students or staff. Information about how the University deals with sexual misconduct is contained in the Sexual misconduct and gender based violence prevention and response policy. The university has support and reporting options for all staff and students who have been affected by or witnessed a sexual offence. The University’s Respect web page offers information about a range of personal and academic supports available to students or staff who may have been subject to sexual violence.
How can I make a report to NSW Police?
If you have experienced sexual violence, you have the right to choose if, when, and how you engage with the NSW Police Force. Reporting is entirely your decision. There is no “right” or “wrong” choice, only what feels safest and most appropriate for you.
You can report sexual violence to NSW Police in several ways, including in person at any police station, by phone, online, or through a Sexual Assault Reporting Option (SARO). If you choose to make a formal report, police may take a statement and explain the next steps. You are allowed to ask questions, request breaks, and bring a support person with you. Making a report does not automatically mean charges will be laid.
If you are not ready to make a formal report, SARO allows you to provide information to police without starting an investigation or court process. This option can be used anonymously and enables information to be recorded in case you decide to take further action in the future. Choosing SARO does not affect your ability to make a formal report later.
Free and confidential support is available to help you understand your options and support you through any contact with police. You are not required to have all the details, remember everything clearly, or decide immediately. Sexual violence is never your fault, and you deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and care throughout the process.
How can I make a report to the University
If you wish to report sexual misconduct, you can access Western’s Complaints and misconduct reporting portal.
The information you provide in the portal will only be viewed by limited authorised staff of the University and it will be used to provide a response to you (or the affected person if a report is made by someone else). NOTE: The portal is not an emergency service. In any emergency, please call 000.
You are also able to lodge a report directly with the Complaints Resolution Unit by email complaints@westernsydney.edu.au or by phone 02 9678 7900. Again, this information will only be available to authorised staff who will then contact you, or the affected person if someone else reports, to check on your wellbeing, discuss the support you need, and any further action you wish to take.
If you are a student and would like some help using the portal, please email the Student Advocacy Service to make an appointment at: scc@westernsydney.edu.au or contact Wellbeing Services on 1300 668 370.
What happens after I make a report?
Once you submit a report via the Sexual offence Reporting Portal the report will be given a reference number. The University commits to responding to all people making a report as quickly as possible. People making a report may call 9678 7900 after submission to discuss the matter further. If you have shared your details, either a Complaints Resolution Unit (CRU) Officer from the University or Student Advocate from the Student Union will contact you.
In most cases you will be given options for how to proceed with reporting, which may involve providing additional details to support an investigation. In certain cases, the university may be required to investigate the issue, and you will be kept informed if this is the case.
You may request temporary accommodations or academic adjustments at any time, these include things like changes to your schedule or university accommodation where appropriate.
What happens in an Investigation?
When a sexual offence is reported to the University there are a number of actions that will be taken. These include
- seeking advice from NSW Police,
- launching an internal investigation, and
- ensuring that the alleged offender is given an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
The University is obliged to ensure that any person accused of an offence is given a fair hearing, is not subjected to bias and that determinations are made based on evidence. This is known as procedural fairness. The University will decide if the alleged offender will remain at University while the investigation takes place. In such cases, steps can be taken to ensure that there is separation between the victim and the alleged offender and that all parties are supported throughout the process.
What will happen to the alleged offender?
Based on the findings, the university may take disciplinary action, such as suspension or expulsion. While you won’t typically be told about these actions to ensure privacy for all students, please be reassured that Western Sydney takes sexual violence seriously and is committed to ensuring appropriate disciplinary action. Information about procedural fairness is available in the Western Sydney University Procedural fairness and good decision making guidelines.
What will happen to your personal information?
The University has obligations under the Privacy and Personal Information Act, 1998 (NSW) (PPIP Act) to ensure that private and personal information is kept safe and is only disclosed where authorised. Staff who are aware of another person’s personal information must comply with the PPIP Act by only collecting relevant information and limiting access to authorised persons. However, under certain circumstances, NSW privacy laws do allow for personal information to be disclosed where there is a serious and imminent threat to the health or life of a person, or for law enforcement purposes.
Can I change my mind and make a report later?
Making a report is entirely your choice. You may also request to withdraw your complaint once made. Requests for a report to be withdrawn will be considered, however, there may be obligations to act once the University receives a report.
Will making a report affect my accommodation, grades, job or visa?
No. The University will take all reports seriously and making a report will not have a negative impact on you.
Immediate Help
No. The University will take all reports seriously and making a report will not have a negative impact on you.