Respect & responsibility

Victoria University takes a strong stand against violence in any form, including sexual and gender-based violence.

Gender-based violence is a serious social issue driven by gender inequality and enabled by sexist behaviours and attitudes.

A core commitment of VU's Strategic Plan is making VU a thriving place to study and work. We work to build a culture of safety and respect, where students and staff are empowered to become change agents to help stop gender-based violence at the University and in the wider community.

Online training for safety, equality & respect

The Respect and Responsibility online training is part of the University’s Building Respectful Futures Together strategy. Our aim is to challenge gender stereotyping and help change behaviours and attitudes related to everyday sexism, sexual assault and sexual harassment.

: Online training for students is located in Collaborate.
Please contact us for alternative access options if you or your students are not able to access Collaborate.
Please note that the training is best accessed on a desktop or laptop computer – it is not optimised for mobile devices. The training consists of:
Consent and Respectful Relationships
Bystander Awareness and Action
These resources were co-designed with students and feature practical strategies, meaningful true-to-life scenarios, relevant video content and opportunities for reflection and commitment. The training has won several awards and is highly rated by students.
: Online training for staff is available in VU Develop. Please contact us for alternative access options if you or your staff are not able to access VU Develop.
Staff training includes:
Sexual harassment and sexual assault – how can staff respond? Provides training on the knowledge required for supportively responding to disclosures from students or colleagues.
Bystander Awareness and Action online module for staff teaches practical strategies for challenging everyday sexism.
The Respect and Responsibility training complements the University’s Sexual Harassment Response Policy and Procedure and Sexual Assault Response Policy and Procedure, which prioritise the experiences of victims and survivors, and affirm that disclosures or formal reports of sexual harm will receive a supportive and believing response from our staff.
Face-to-face training for both student and staff groups is also available on request.
Email [email protected] if you would like to know more, or if you are having any difficulties accessing the online training.

My friend told me about a sexual assault - what should I do?

Sexual assault and sexual harassment are very common. If your friend, classmate or colleague tells you about unwanted sexual contact, there are some simple things you can do that will really help.

: Download the VU SAFE app

Safer Community: +61 3 9919 5707

Student Counselling: +61 3 9919 5400

Security: +61 3 9919 4999 (Emergency +61 3 9919 6666)

If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732): National helpline for advice and support about sexual assault. They can connect you with appropriate services wherever you are. Live chat also available at 1800respect.org.au

Western Region Centre Against Sexual Assault (WestCASA): Counselling and crisis support in the western suburbs of Melbourne. Call +61 3 9216 0444 (After hours: 1800 806 292)

inTouch: Provides services and support to migrants and refugees. Call 1800 755 988

Q Life: Provides peer support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) people and their friends, families and allies. Call 1800 184 527

Djirra: Provides culturally safe and accessible services to Aboriginal people seeking support. Call 1800 105 303

Women's Information & Referral Exchange (WIRE): Any woman, any issue - free support, referral and information for all Victorian women, non-binary and gender diverse people. Call 1300 134 130.