What happens when you report an incident of sexual misconduct?

If you have experienced sexual misconduct, including sexual assault or sexual harassment, it is your choice to report the incident. If you wish to make a report, there are many options available to you, including speaking to the Safer Communities Office about reporting within the University or to the police.

Whatever you decide, we can help connect you with appropriate support, provide information on reporting options, help you create a safety plan, and assist you with the reporting process. If you wish to make a report of sexual misconduct to the University, there are two options available to you: making a disclosure and making a complaint. 

Making a disclosure 

You can make a disclosure of sexual misconduct if you would like to make the University aware of an incident, but do not wish the University to investigate the incident or to take any specific action. If you lodge a disclosure, you can remain anonymous if you wish. 

If you decide later on to make a complaint or to disclose the identity of the person, you are welcome to do so anytime you feel comfortable. Whichever you decide, the Safer Communities Office will provide support to you. 

Making a complaint 

You can make a complaint of sexual misconduct if you would like the University to investigate the incident or take specific action. If you make a complaint, you will not be able to remain anonymous. We may also take interim measures if we need to ensure your safety, such as restricting a person's access to specified University buildings, facilities or accommodation. 

When you make a complaint to the University, we will ask you for information about the incident, including details of the person involved in the incident. If a complaint results in an investigation, the University is required to apply the principles of procedural fairness to everyone involved. 

What happens next? 

If you would like to learn more about what support is available to you, contact the Safer Communities Office. The Safer Communities Office staff can explain the options available to you and help you lodge a report, if you wish to do so. If you choose to lodge a report of sexual misconduct, you can do so by visiting this page on how to report sexual misconduct. 

If you choose to report sexual misconduct to the University, a Student Liaison Officer (SLO) will reach out to you within the next business day to organise an initial meeting. The SLO will explain what reporting options are available to you, and the reporting process, so you can make an informed decision of your next steps. The meeting is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about reporting, as well as ensure we work with you around any support needs you may have. 

After the initial meeting, an SLO will be allocated to work with you. When you first meet them, they will work with you to create a case plan which identifies how to best support you. Their first priority will be ensuring your safety and if needed, creating a safety plan with you. They can also assist you with accessing medical services, emergency accommodation and appropriate counselling, as well as help you manage any academic concerns. If you have lodged a complaint, they can support you through the investigation process and assist you with any questions you may have. 

If you have any questions about support, or how to make a disclosure or complaint, reach out to the Safer Communities office. They are open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, and can be contacted on +61 (02) 8627 6808 or at safer-communities.officer@sydney.edu.au.

If you're feeling unsafe on campus, call Protective Services on +61 (02) 9351 3333. In an emergency, call 000. 

If you want to find out more, please see the University's Sexual Misconduct Policy.