National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence

Australian Catholic University is committed to a safer, respectful and inclusive community.

Australian Catholic University (ACU) is dedicated to fostering a campus environment where every individual feels valued, protected and empowered. As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, so must our commitment to the wellbeing of our community. In alignment with national priorities, ACU is proud to support the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence, a landmark initiative designed to ensure the safety and dignity of all students and staff across Australian universities.

About the national code

The National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence was developed by the federal government in partnership with leading experts, advocacy groups, victim-survivors, and the higher education sector. It establishes clear standards for the prevention, reporting and resolution of all forms of gender-based violence including sexual harassment, assault, intimidation, stalking, and other forms of discrimination or abuse within tertiary institutions. The national code requires all universities to take a whole‑of‑organisation approach to preventing and responding to gender‑based violence across seven areas—governance, safe environments, capability, support, processes, data, and student accommodation.

• Purpose: To provide unified, sector-wide guidelines and expectations for universities and higher education providers, ensuring that every campus upholds the highest standard of safety and response to gender-based violence.
• Scope: The code addresses not only on-campus conduct but also university-affiliated activities, placements, digital spaces, and off-campus events connected with the university community.
• Implementation: All Australian universities, including ACU, are expected to embed the code into their policies, training, support systems, and reporting mechanisms.

ACU's commitment

As a values-driven institution, ACU is fully committed to upholding the new national code and seeking to utilise this important opportunity to create change. We are undertaking this work because it aligns with our mission to uphold human dignity and create safe, respectful communities. This is about values, not just compliance. Our commitment includes:

• Reviewing and updating all relevant policies and procedures to ensure full alignment with the code's requirements.
• Enhancing training for staff and students to build awareness, foster respectful relationships and encourage proactive bystander intervention.
• Strengthening our support services and reporting pathways to ensure they are accessible, confidential, trauma-informed and culturally responsive.
• Working collaboratively with students, victim-survivors, advocates and external experts to co-design solutions and ensure accountability.

What is gender-based violence?

Gender-based violence is 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. It encompasses a range of behaviours, including (but not limited to):

• Sexual harassment
• Sexual assault
• Family and domestic violence
• Stalking
• Online harassment and image-based abuse

ACU's whole-of-organisation plan

ACU is acting now across all seven standards of the national code to ensure we're living our values in how we prevent harm and support our community.

To guide this work, the university has formulated a prevention and response plan that details our whole-of-organisation approach to addressing gender-based violence. This plan was developed with input from staff and students, including those with lived experience of gender-based violence.

Read ACU's plan

If you are a staff member or student interested in getting involved in implementing the national code, please contact safercommunities@acu.edu.au.

Support is available

If you have experienced, observed or know someone who has experienced gender-based violence, support and assistance are available.

Students and staff can access a range of free and confidential support services both within ACU and externally.

If you wish to make a report, you can do so in a safe and confidential way, and our staff are here to listen, support and guide you through your options. Whatever you choose to do, your safety and wellbeing are the priority.

ACU is committed to ensuring confidentiality and will not disclose any personal information unless required by law. 

Reporting options for students and staff

If you are unable to find a service right for you, please email the ACU Safeguarding and Student Safety Team at respectandsafety@acu.edu.au or speak to your local ACU Safety Support Officer.

What's new in training and education

ACU is developing new best-practice training, education, and resources on gender-based violence, trauma-informed practice, responding to disclosures, and respectful relationships. These initiatives will support staff, students, student leaders and ACU residents in helping build a safer, more respectful community both on and off campus.

Further details about the training, education and resources will be shared in the coming months.

If you require more information or are interested in getting involved in the development of these initiatives, please contact safercommunities@acu.edu.au. 

Further information:

National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence 2025

The Action Plan Addressing Gender-based Violence in Higher Education