Respect at Melbourne

Content warning:
This website includes information on sexual harassment and sexual assault and may be distressing for some people. For support, contact the Safer Community Program.

The University of Melbourne is committed to eliminating sexual misconduct and promoting safety for students, staff and visitors.

Where sexual misconduct does occur, we aim to provide a supportive and trauma-informed response that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of victim-survivors.

What is sexual misconduct?

It is important we all have a shared understanding of what sexual misconduct is.

Sexual misconduct

The University of Melbourne uses the term sexual misconduct to describe any sexual act or behaviour that a person does not consent to, including sexual assault (and other sexual offences) and sexual harassment.

Sexual misconduct is unacceptable.

The University of Melbourne is committed to eliminating and preventing sexual misconduct from its community and prioritising the safety and wellbeing of everyone who experiences it.

Where sexual misconduct does occur, we aim to provide a supportive and trauma-informed response that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of victim-survivors.

If you have experienced sexual misconduct, you have the right to seek support and advice.

The University will support you through this process. We will listen and respect any decision you make along the way.

Penalties may apply.

Findings of sexual misconduct may result in a range of penalties.

For students, this may include suspension or expulsion from the University.

For current staff this may include dismissal or other action on employment as determined by law, for former staff this may result in limiting their ability to be hired again, and for honorary staff members this may result in rescission of appointment.

Find out more about sexual misconduct

Speak Safely

The Speak Safely portal allows you to speak safely about sexual assault, harassment and other forms of inappropriate behaviour to access support, or seek action from your nominated response area.

You have the choice to remain anonymous. The University will take all reasonable steps to respect and protect your anonymity.

Access Speak Safely now

Student with laptop

Take action

Preventing Sexual Misconduct is a mandatory eLearning module for all commencing undergraduate and graduate coursework students, and all commencing graduate researchers. As part of joining the University, you need to complete the module.

Preventing Sexual Misconduct was developed in consultation with students and subject-matter experts for the University, and provides practical information about:

  • Understanding sexual misconduct
  • Contributing to a safe and respectful campus
  • Getting support or making a complaint.

Access Preventing Sexual Misconduct now

Our commitments to you

The University of Melbourne is committed to a safe, inclusive and respectful community.

If you have experienced or are experiencing any form of sexual assault or harassment, we need to know. We are here to listen to you, to help you, and to support you.

If you have experienced any behaviours that concern you, you can freely and confidentially report incidents, and access support, advice, information, and other specialist services.

We are here to support you.

Discover more about our commitments


Vice-Chancellor, Professor Duncan Maskell on Respect at the University of Melbourne.

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