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Incidents of gender-based violence can be reported to ACU by anyone who has experienced, witnessed or heard about an incident.
When you experience or witness gender-based violence, you have choices about how to share what happened. We encourage you to choose the avenue that feels right for you.
Options include:
The staff member supporting you will explain what each option involves. The university respects your decision about which pathway you would like to take. Both pathways are handled with care and confidentiality, using a trauma-informed approach.
If you decide to disclose or report, ACU offers different ways to do this. Each option is designed to be accessible and supportive, ensuring you can reach out in the way that feels most comfortable. Please be aware you can make an anonymous report; the online form offers an option specifically for these types of reports.
Please include as much or as little detail as you feel comfortable providing but keep in mind that any information you can provide will assist in the university's response.
A student can make a disclosure or formal report:
A staff member or affiliate can make a disclosure or formal report:
After you share your experience, ACU will respond in a way that prioritises your safety and wellbeing.
You will be offered support services that may include counselling and academic or workplace adjustments, and we will work with you to put a safety plan in place.
If you make a formal report, we will give you as much or as little information as you want about the processes involved. We use a person-centred approach so it's your choice how much detail you receive.
ACU acknowledges that it takes courage to report. We respect your right to make decisions that are best for you, and we will support you in every way we can.
ACU has a dedicated Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence Policy, along with detailed procedures for both students and staff.
These documents outline how ACU works to prevent gender-based violence and how, guided by trauma-informed principles and respect, the university responds when it occurs.
We encourage you to read these documents so you can understand your rights and the steps ACU takes to maintain a safe community.
If you have questions or need support, we encourage you to reach out. Taking the first step to contact a support service can feel difficult, but it can help you build a strong support team. Help is available both within ACU and through external organisations. You may choose to reach out to one of the services listed below, if and when you feel ready.
These services provide confidential information and support and many of them specialise in gender-based violence.
Students:
Staff:
Full Stop
24/7 sexual, domestic and family violence response and recovery service.
Call 1800 385 578.
Lifeline
24/7 crisis support.
Call 13 11 14.
13 Yarn
Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members.
Call 13 92 76.
inTouch
Support for migrant and refugee community members.
Call 1800 755 988.
QLife
LGBTQIA+ peer support and counselling.
Call 1800 184 527.
MensLineAustralia
Counselling and support for men.
Call 1300 78 99 78.
If you are unhappy with how ACU has handled a matter relating to gender-based violence, you can also make a complaint to the National Student Ombudsman.
ACU has clear responsibilities under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence. ACU is committed to creating safe environments, providing accessible trauma-informed support, maintaining strong reporting pathways, and ensuring systems that protect staff and students from harm.
Beyond compliance, ACU is committed to meaningful, values-driven change. We are:
We're available 9am–5pm AEST,
Monday to Friday
If you’ve got a question, our AskACU team has you covered. You can search FAQs, email, live chat, call – whatever works for you.