Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment

Our Approach

ASA Institute of Higher Education maintains a strict no-tolerance policy for gender-based violence in all forms including sexual assault and sexual harassment. We are committed to creating a safe learning environment free of violence and discrimination, in part by addressing the norms and risk factors that promote gender-based violence. We also ensure that students receive timely and effective care when needed, drawing on trauma-informed principles to maintain students' safety and wellbeing while studying with us.

Our policies and procedures outline ASA's full approach to gender-based violence including staff and student responsibilities and how ASA responds to reports and disclosures.

Key Terms

Gender-based violence: any harmful acts directed at someone based on their sex, gender, or sexual orientation. It is influenced by gendered power imbalances and stereotypes such as the belief in the superiority of men over women. This includes domestic violence, emotional/psychological abuse, sexual violence, economic abuse, and coercive control.
Sexual assault: when a person is forced, coerced, or tricked into sexual acts without their consent or cooperation. This includes rape, unwanted touching, and sexual abuse.
Sexual harassment: any unwelcome sexual behaviour that makes a person feel offended, humiliated, or intimidated. It can be physical, verbal, or written and includes forms of online harassment.

Consent and Relationships Module

All students must complete the compulsory Consent & Relationships module before the end of their firststudy period. This module covers essential information about gender-based violence, including:

Types of abuse (sexual violence, domestic assault, coercive control)
The roots of GBV including gender roles and stereotypes
The impact of trauma
The role of bystanders and supporting survivors
Disclosure and reporting

The module also includes a quiz testing students' understanding of these topics. Students must achieve100% to pass the module.

Report an Incident

If you have experienced or witnessed an incident of gender-based violence, you are strongly encouraged to submit a
report using the Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Reporting Form. ASA will then investigate your report while
taking steps to ensure your continued safety including appropriate study adjustments and alternative arrangements.
You may choose to submit an anonymous disclosure, though this may limit the actions that ASA can take in
response.

For more information, refer to the Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Policy and Sexual Assault and Sexual
Harassment Procedure.

Emergency Contacts

If you are in immediate danger or require support after hours, please refer to the following services:

1800RESPECT -- national sexual assault, family and domestic violence hotline: 1800 737 732
Full Stop Australia -- national violence and abuse trauma counselling service: 1800 385 578

See Emergency Contacts for a full list of services.