• Support services
• Section 1 - Purpose
• Background
• Scope
• Section 2 - Policy
• Responsibilities of the University and the Macquarie University Community
• Protection from Victimisation and Reprisal
• Section 3 - Procedures
• Making a Disclosure or Formal Report
• Support Services in Response to Disclosures
• Specific Support for Students
• Specific Support for Staff and Affiliates
• University Responses to Formal Reports
• Interim Measures
• Privacy and Use of Information
• External Reporting
• Related University Policies and Codes of Conduct
• Section 4 - Guidelines
• Section 5 - Definitions
• Section 6 - Related Legislation

Support services

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University Support Services

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University Disclosures and Reporting Pathways

Section 1 - Purpose

(1) This Policy outlines the University’s commitment to providing an environment free from Gender-based Violence and fostering a culture that promotes safety, respect and inclusion for all members of its community.

(2) Preventing and responding to sexual violence in university settings is a priority of the University. The Policy details:

1. behaviours that are not accepted by the University;
2. the University’s commitment to prevent Gender-based Violence within the Macquarie University Community, through education of Students and Staff;
3. how Disclosures and Formal Reports of Gender-based Violence concerning the Macquarie University Community can be made to the University; and
4. how the University will respond to Disclosures and Formal Reports about Gender-based Violence.

Background

(3) Gender-based Violence can happen to anyone.

(4) Gender-based Violence means any form of physical or non-physical violence, harassment, abuse or threats, based on gender that results in, or is likely to result in, harm, coercion, control, fear or deprivation of liberty or autonomy. Gender-based Violence is unacceptable, unlawful, and strictly prohibited by Macquarie University (the University).

(5) While all people can experience violence, the nature and context of that violence differ across groups:

1. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians experience disproportionately high levels of all forms of Gender-based Violence.
2. Women are most often subjected to violence from men they know (often a current or former partner), whereas men more commonly experience violence from men they do not know.
3. Gender-diverse and other LGBTIQ+ people experience elevated rates of family, domestic, and sexual violence, as well as discrimination.
4. People with a disability, particularly women and girls, experience violence, abuse and neglect at much higher rates, over longer periods and by more perpetuators.
5. International students may face particular barriers to seeking support and achieving justice for sexual and intimate partner violence.
6. Within a workplace or study environment, all genders experience sexual harassment, and all genders can perpetrate sexual harassment. However, most Gender-based Violence is perpetrated by men against women.

(6) Gender-based Violence is underpinned by power imbalances and gender inequality. It is driven by social and cultural factors such as:

1. attitudes that condone violence on gender-based grounds;
2. rigid gender roles and stereotypes;
3. unequal control over decision-making; and
4. peer relations that emphasise aggression and control.

(7) Contributing factors can intensify the risk and prevalence of Gender-based Violence. These include the condoning of violence more broadly; exposure to violence in childhood or community settings; stress and environmental factors; misuse of technology; and barriers that undermine victim-survivors from accessing resources and support.

(8) This Policy should be read in conjunction with the Gender-based Violence Prevention and Response Policy Guidelines (the Guidelines).

Scope

(9) This Policy applies to:

1. all members of the Macquarie University Community including Students, Leadership, Staff, Affiliates, Affiliated Student Accommodation Providers, and other Affiliated Organisations of the University; and
2. entities that conduct activities on behalf of the University including Controlled Entities but not limited to businesses and organisations that operate on, use or lease University Land or facilities.

(10) For concerns about the conduct of third parties affecting Students (for example, a work placement Provider associated with study requirements at the University) refer to the Work Integrated Learning Policy. 

(11) For concerns about Gender-based Violence involving anyone under the age of 18 associated with the Macquarie University Community, this Policy must be read in conjunction with the Children at Macquarie University Policy, the Children at Macquarie University Procedure, and Keeping Children Safe Policy. Reports of child abuse, including any violence or harassment involving children or young people under 18, may require mandatory reporting to the NSW Department of Communities and Justice and/or NSW Police.

Section 2 - Policy

Responsibilities of the University and the Macquarie University Community

(12) Members of the Macquarie University Community must not engage in acts of Gender-based Violence.

(13) The University has a Positive Duty to prevent sexual harassment and further legal obligations to prevent and respond to Gender-based Violence, including by reporting regularly to the Commonwealth Department of Education in accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence 2025 (the Code).

(14) The University’s detailed responsibilities are outlined in the University’s Gender-based Violence Prevention and Response Plan.

(15) The University is committed to:

1. conducting regular gender impact and risk assessments;
2. providing education and training on the causes and effects of Gender-based Violence, and on available reporting and support options;
3. providing Students, Staff, Affiliates, and members of the public with multiple reporting pathways, including anonymous options;
4. encouraging Staff, Affiliates and Students to speak up about Gender-based Violence;
5. delivering confidential and Trauma-informed support services to Students, Staff, and Affiliates who have experienced Gender-based Violence;
6. responding to Disclosures and Formal reports of Gender-based Violence in a Trauma-informed, confidential, and timely manner;
7. consulting the person who has experienced Gender-based Violence and taking their wishes into account when determining an appropriate response;
8. maintaining procedural fairness, confidentiality, and privacy in accordance with relevant University policies; and
9. taking disciplinary action for breaches of this Policy in accordance with applicable University policies and procedures.

(16) Leadership, Staff, and Affiliates must behave in inclusive and respectful ways in accordance with the Staff Code of Conduct, the Graduate Research Supervision Policy, the Macquarie University Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, and the Honorary Academic Titles Policy.

(17) Leadership and Staff are required to complete mandatory Trauma-informed education addressing the nature, causes and impacts of Gender-based Violence, and training in response strategies including reporting mechanisms and support services.

(18) Students must behave in inclusive and respectful ways in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

(19) Students are required to complete mandatory Trauma-informed education addressing the nature, causes, and impact of Gender-based Violence, and training in response strategies including reporting mechanisms and support services.

(20) Students, Leadership, Staff or Affiliates who knowingly make a false or Vexatious Report of Gender-based Violence may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with applicable University policies and procedures.

(21) The University’s response to Gender-based Violence is detailed in section 3 of this Policy.

Protection from Victimisation and Reprisal

(22) Members of the Macquarie University Community must not engage in Victimisation, or commit or threaten to commit an act of reprisal against any person who has:

1. asked for support regarding Gender-based Violence;
2. reported an incident of Gender-based Violence;
3. provided information or evidence about a report of Gender-based Violence;
4. referred another person to support services in relation to an experience of Gender-based Violence;
5. helped someone make a report of Gender-based Violence; or
6. been the subject of a report of Gender-based Violence.

(23) For Students, Victimisation or reprisal may lead to disciplinary action under the Student Conduct Rules, or the Student Conduct Procedure.

(24) For Leadership, Staff, and Affiliates Victimisation or reprisal may lead to disciplinary action under the Staff Code of Conduct, Enterprise Agreement or relevant industrial or contractual instruments.

Section 3 - Procedures

(25) The Procedures described in this Policy do not override:

1. professional standards regarding confidentiality between clients and medical practitioners, nurses, psychologists, and social workers;
2. mandatory reporting requirements according to child protection legislation, Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) or Work Health and Safety Act 2011; and
3. any other legal obligations applicable to the University.

Making a Disclosure or Formal Report

(26) The online University Gender-based Violence reporting portals for Students and Staff can be used to make a Disclosure or Formal Report about Gender-based Violence involving the Macquarie University Community.

(27) Disclosures and Formal Reports can also be made in person or via email and phone to the support and reporting services listed in this Policy.

(28) Disclosures and Formal Reports can be made by:

1. the person who experienced the alleged Gender-based Violence; or
2. a person who is aware of alleged Gender-based Violence associated with the Macquarie University Community.

Support Services in Response to Disclosures

(29) All Disclosures will be taken seriously, treated with care and responded to in accordance with applicable University policies and procedures.

(30) The University provides accessible support services for Students, Staff, and Affiliates who disclose Gender-based Violence, as well as referrals to specialist external services. Contact details and further information are provided in this Policy.

(31) Any person who makes a Disclosure to the University may decide what information they choose to share. Making a Disclosure or accessing support services does not automatically initiate a Formal Report.

(32) If actions are required to manage the safety of any member of the Macquarie University Community, the person making the Disclosure will be consulted. Information may be shared with University Security Services, University Accommodation Providers, Workplace Health and Safety, Human Resources, Office of General Counsel, and external services such as NSW Police or NSW Communities and Justice.

Specific Support for Students

(33) Support provided by the University for Students may include:

1. counselling and wellbeing services through Student Wellbeing;
2. study adjustments and supports (e.g. changes to study timetable, Special Consideration adjustments, variations to research candidature, changes to research location);
3. advice about accommodation and finances;
4. referrals to external legal, counselling and medical services; and
5. other measures, if any, appropriate to the circumstances.

Specific Support for Staff and Affiliates

(34) Support provided by the University for Staff and Affiliates may include:

1. counselling and wellbeing services through the EAP Program or UniSuper’s Life360 Program;
2. reasonable workplace adjustments to support safety and wellbeing, including but not limited to:
   1. changes to hours of work;
   2. relocation to suitable employment;
   3. temporary change to their work location;
   4. changes to University-provided contact details such as phone numbers and email addresses; and
   5. access to leave in accordance with the relevant Enterprise Agreement;
3. referrals to external legal, counselling and medical services; and/or
4. other measures, if any, appropriate to the circumstances.

University Responses to Formal Reports

(35) All Formal Reports will be given serious consideration, treated with care and responded to in accordance with the applicable University policies and procedures.

(36) For reports with identity information: The reporter will be contacted to check that they and others are safe, discuss access to support services, and consult with them about their wishes for a response. If the report is made about another person who has allegedly experienced Gender-based Violence, they will also be contacted and consulted. The University may be limited in its response to reports made on behalf of another person without their consent (refer to the University’s Privacy Policy).

(37) Staff will provide the person making the report, or relevant persons named in the report, with information about the University complaints and misconduct processes, including investigation processes.

(38) For anonymous reports: The University may be limited in its response to anonymous reports and will not be able to respond to the reporter about responses taken. However, the information will be used to monitor Gender-based Violence affecting the Macquarie University Community, including by contacting anyone named in the report where appropriate, and identifying potential improvements to safety.

(39) For all Formal Reports: If actions are required to manage the safety of any member of the Macquarie University Community, the person making the Formal Report will be consulted, if their identity is known. Information may be shared with University Security Services, University Accommodation staff, Workplace Health and Safety, Human Resources, Office of General Counsel, and external services such as NSW Police or NSW Communities and Justice.

(40) Formal Reports made by members of the public will be assessed and addressed appropriately, with support and follow-up provided where possible, including information about University complaints and misconduct processes, including investigation processes. (refer to Complaints Resolution Policy for Students and Members of the Public and Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public).

(41) Reports concerning Students may lead to investigations and actions under the Student Conduct Rules and Student Conduct Procedure.

(42) Reports concerning Staff or Affiliates may lead to investigations and actions in accordance with the applicable Enterprise Agreement or industrial instrument.

(43) Where possible, Formal Reports must be finalized withing 45 working days, including any disciplinary process.

Interim Measures

(44) Interim measures are temporary restrictions or requirements that may be imposed on any individual within the Macquarie University Community for reasons of safety or to reduce the potential for harm in response to a Formal Report of Gender-based Violence.

(45) Interim measures may be put in place at any stage after a Formal Report is received, regardless of whether the report has been assessed or investigated.

(46) Interim measures do not imply or pre-empt any conclusion or outcome of a University or external investigation and are not a determination of responsibility.

(47) Interim measures may include restrictions or requirements relating to:

1. who an individual can contact and how they can contact someone; and
2. where and when they can go on campus, e.g. access to specific University buildings, facilities, accommodation, or classes.

(48) Staff may request a review of interim measures from the Chief People Officer via chiefpeopleofficer@mq.edu.au.

(49) Students may request a review of interim measures from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) via disciplinecommittee@mq.edu.au   

Privacy and Use of Information

(50) The University is committed to respecting the privacy of all members of the Macquarie University Community per the Privacy Policy and applicable privacy laws. Subject to applicable laws, the University will treat all Disclosures and Formal Reports confidentially.

(51) Information from a Disclosure of Formal Report may be shared for a specific purpose if the person making the report has given their consent. Otherwise, the University will keep this information confidential, with some limitations as outlined in this section. 

(52) The University is obliged to protect the safety of the Macquarie University Community and may need to provide information to NSW Police and/or relevant government agencies, for example:

1. when there is an immediate threat to someone's safety;
2. in cases involving serious physical harm or ongoing risk; and
3. where the person who has experienced Gender-based Violence lacks capacity.

(53) The University may be required to report information about a 'serious indictable offence' to Police, in accordance with section 316 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW).

(54) Mandatory reporting legislation may also affect confidentiality.

(55) If a Gender-based Violence incident occurs during an activity funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT),the University must alert DFAT about the incident in consultation with the person(s) affected.

(56) The University prohibits the use of a Non-disclosure Agreement or Non-disparagement Clause in its response, management, and/or settlement of matters disclosed to it under this Policy, unless requested to do so by a Discloser, the terms of which will comply with the requirements of the Code.

(57) Information from Disclosures and Formal Reports will be used to monitor general trends relating to Gender-based Violence affecting the Macquarie University Community and to report to the Executive Group, University Council, any other relevant University committee or body, and the Commonwealth Department of Education in accordance with requirements under the Code. No information that could identify individuals will be included in reporting.

External Reporting

(58) Members of the Macquarie University Community have the right to report, or not report, Gender-based Violence to external organisations such as NSW Police, the Australian Human Rights Commission, the Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW, the eSafety Commissioner, and the National Student Ombudsman. The University will support Students, Staff and Affiliates in understanding their rights in respect of reports made to external organisations.

(59) Reports to external organisations, including NSW Police, are not usually shared with the University. For the University to assess and respond to an incident, a Formal Report must be made to the University.

(60) If a report of Gender-based Violence is made to an external organisation such as NSW Police, a University response may need to be delayed. The University will consult with police and the person making the report and may still implement interim measures.

Related University Policies and Codes of Conduct

Students

University Staff

MQ Health Staff

U@MQ/MQSL Staff

Section 4 - Guidelines

(61) See Guidelines for Understanding the Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response Policy. 

Section 5 - Definitions

Section 6 - Related Legislation