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  1. Student Welfare
Authority Source: Vice Chancellor
Approval Date: 22/03/2022
Publication Date: 22/03/2022
Review Date: 22/03/2025
Effective Date: 22/03/2022
Custodian: Vice-Chancellor and GCUS
Contact: policy@canberra.edu.au
Accessibility: Public
Status: Published
In developing this procedure the University had regard to the provisions of section 40B(1)(b) of the Human Rights Act 2004 (ACT).
Sexual Misconduct Procedure
1. Purpose:
1. Emergency contacts and support services
  1. Emergency contact and support service information is provided in Schedule 1 of these Procedures.
  2. The University undertakes to offer assistance and support to all parties impacted by an incident of Sexual Misconduct.
2. Purpose
  1. These Procedures:
    1. establish the process for making Complaints of Sexual Misconduct, including the process for providing anonymous Complaints;
    2. outline the investigation processes undertaken by the University following Complaints of Sexual Misconduct; and
    3. identify the support services available to Students, Staff and other members of the University Community impacted by an incident of Sexual Misconduct.
3. Policy and Procedures 
  1. These Procedures should be read in conjunction with the University of Canberra Sexual Misconduct Policy (Policy).
2. Procedure:
4. Sexual Misconduct Complaints
  1. The University is committed to supporting any member of the University Community making a Complaint about Sexual Misconduct. The available support services options are outlined in Schedule 1.
  2. The University encourages making a Complaint of any incident of Sexual Misconduct to the University, whether recent or historical, and regardless of whether or not a report has been made to police.
  3. If a Complainant wants to make a report to Police, the University will provide support and/or assistance in this process.  
  4. Any person can make a Complaint of Sexual Misconduct to the University on the ºÚÁÏÍø Safe Community webpage on the University website: /safe-community/report-an-incident.
  5. All Complaints to the ºÚÁÏÍø Safe Community webpage will be responded to within 24 business hours by specialist University staff and will be treated with confidentiality, dignity and respect. 
  6. Complainants will be kept regularly informed on the progression of their Complaint of Sexual Misconduct.
  7. Complaints of Sexual Misconduct to the ºÚÁÏÍø Safe Community webpage can be made anonymously. However, an anonymous Complaint will limit the capacity of the University to investigate the incident and, where it is appropriate to involve police, it may impact their capacity to investigate the incident. 
  8. A Complaint of Sexual Misconduct can be made on behalf of another person. Where possible a Complaint should be made with the consent or knowledge of the other person who has been impacted by the incident of Sexual Misconduct.
  9. Complainants can make one of the following Complaints of Sexual Misconduct:
    1. a Report which is a formal account or statement about Sexual Misconduct to the University by a person who is seeking the University to undertake an investigation and take disciplinary action if necessary; or
    2. a Disclosure in circumstances where a person is seeking support from the University but does not want the matter investigated or any other action taken. 
  10. Complainants may not want the University to investigate or take specific action in relation to an incident. Other than those limited circumstances prescribed in paragraph 3.26 of the Policy, the University will respect any such decision made by the Complainant.
  11. Complainants who have filed an anonymous Report may later request that the University provide support. In such instances, the University commits to respond to the request and to provide support and assistance to the Complainant during this process.
  12. Complainants who have made a Disclosure with the sole purpose of accessing support services may later request that the University investigate and/or take action. In such instances, the University commits to respond to the request and to provide appropriate support and assistance to the Complainant during this process.
  13. All Complaints of Sexual Misconduct with be responded to confidentially, in accordance with the University’s Privacy Policy and in accordance with paragraph 11 of the Policy.
5. Investigations
  1. Investigations into Complaints of Sexual Misconduct where the Respondent is a Student will be overseen by the Director, Student Life.
  2. The investigation process into a Complaint mentioned in paragraph 5.1 and any determinations of wrongdoing will be informed by:
    1. the Policy and these Procedures;
    2. the University of Canberra (Student Conduct) Rules 2018; and
    3. any other relevant Legal Instrument.
  3. Investigations into Complaints of Sexual Misconduct where the Respondent is a Staff member will be overseen by the Chief People Officer.  
  4. The investigation process into a Complaint mentioned in paragraph 5.3 any determinations of wrongdoing will be informed by:
    1. the Policy and these Procedures;
    2. the University of Canberra Enterprise Agreement; and
    3. any other relevant Legal Instrument.
  5. In instances where the Respondent of a Complaint is both a Staff member and a Student of the University, the Chief People Officer will confer with the Director, Student Life to determine the appropriate investigative oversight. The Complainant and Respondent will both be notified of this decision.
  6. If:
    1. the Respondent is neither Student nor Staff; or
    2. a conflict of interest exists between the Complainant or the Respondent and the relevant investigator set out in this paragraph 5.
the Vice Chancellor, a Deputy Vice Chancellor or Vice President will determine a suitable and impartial person to investigate the Complaint.
  1. Investigations into Complaints mentioned in paragraph 5.6 and any determinations of wrongdoing will be informed by the Policy, these Procedures and any other relevant Legal Instrument (including the University of Canberra (Student Conduct) Rules 2018 or the University of Canberra Enterprise Agreement as applicable).
  2. Consistent with paragraph 10 of the Policy, the University undertakes to provide procedural fairness during any investigation into a Complaint.
  3. The University will temporarily suspend an investigation until the completion of any related police investigation or criminal prosecution. A temporary suspension does not prevent the University from implementing any of the interim measures in paragraph 9 of the Policy. The University will continue to provide support to the Complainant (including regular updates) and may seek advice on a case by case basis regarding appropriate measures to implement or actions to take in circumstances where a police investigation or any criminal proceeding remains ongoing.
  4. The University will keep secure records of the Complaint, investigation and any findings in accordance with applicable privacy and records retention law.
  5. Deidentified records may be used by the University to assess and mitigate risk, identify trends, improve support, improve proactive strategies, policies and responses to Sexual Misconduct.
6. Support Services
  1. The personal safety and recovery of the Complainant from the trauma of the experience of Sexual Misconduct is the priority of the University.
  2. Confidential medical, counselling and support services are available for all members of the University Community impacted by Sexual Misconduct. Details of this support is provided in Schedule 1.
  3. The University may provide adjustments to a Student’s academic program where their studies have been impacted by Sexual Misconduct.
  4. The University undertakes to provide independent support to the members of the University Community impacted by Sexual Misconduct.
 
3. Roles and Responsibilities:
Who Responsibilities
Vice Chancellor
  • oversees the implementation of this Procedure;
  • can determine a suitable and impartial investigator where the Respondent to a Complaint of Sexual Misconduct is neither a staff member or a student or there is a conflict of interest between the parties in accordance with paragraphs 3.19 and 3.21 of the Procedures.
Deputy Vice Chancellor can determine a suitable and impartial investigator where the Respondent to a Complaint of Sexual Misconduct is neither a staff member or a student or there is a conflict of interest between the parties in accordance with paragraphs 3.19 and 3.21 of these Procedures.
Vice President can determine a suitable and impartial investigator where the Respondent to a Complaint of Sexual Misconduct is neither a staff member or a student or there is a conflict of interest between the parties in accordance with paragraphs 3.19 and 3.21 of the Procedures.
Chief People Officer
  • oversees the investigation into Complaints of staff sexual Misconduct in accordance with paragraph 5 of this Procedure;
  • in consultation with the Director, Student Life, determines the appropriate investigator when a Complaint is made about a person who is both a staff member and student in accordance with paragraph 3.18 of these Procedures.
Director, Student Life
  • oversees the investigation into Complaints of Sexual Misconduct in accordance with paragraph 5 of the Procedures;
  • in consultation with the Chief People Officer determines the appropriate investigator when a Complaint is made about a person who is both a staff member and student in accordance with paragraph 3.18 of these Procedures.
Governance and Legal provides support to the Vice Chancellor to oversee the implementation of these Procedures.
All staff and students and other members of the University Community
  • familiarise themselves with this Procedure;
  • if they become aware of an incident of Sexual Misconduct against a complainant, promptly notify the incident in accordance with paragraph 3.6 of the Policy and in accordance with the process set out paragraph 4 of these Procedures.
4. Governing Policy and Legislation:
  1. The parent Policy for this Procedure is the Sexual Misconduct Policy.
  2. Legislation related to these Procedures includes:
  • Age Discrimination Act 2004 (Cth);
  • Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (Cth);
  • Crimes Act 1990 (ACT);
  • Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth);
  • Discrimination Act 1991 (ACT);
  • Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth);
  • Human Rights Act 2004 (ACT).
  • Information Privacy Act 2014 (ACT)
  • Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth);
  • Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (Cth);
  • Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth); and
  • Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (ACT)
5. Supporting Information:
  1. University documents related to these Procedures include:
    1. the University of Canberra Enterprise Agreement;
    2. the University of Canberra Charter of Conduct and Values;
    3. the University of Canberra (Student Conduct Rules) 2018;
    4. the University of Canberra Student Charter;
    5. the University of Canberra Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy; and
    6. the University of Canberra Privacy Policy; and
    7. the University of Canberra Human Rights and Discrimination Policy.
  2. External documents related to these Procedures:
    1. University of Canberra: Creating a Safe and Inclusive Community for Living and Learning, 2018, Elizabeth Broderick and Co
    2. Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency, Good Practice Note: Preventing and responding to sexual assault and sexual harassment in the Australian Higher education Sector, July 2020.
    3. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy, 4 April 2019.
    4. Universities Australia, Guidelines for University Responses to Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment, undated.
    5. Universities Australia, Principles for Respectful Supervisory Relationships, undated.
10. External Support Services
  1. Canberra Rape Crisis Centre, crisis and support counselling phone line (including appointments and referrals) Phone: (02) 6247 2525, Text only: 0488 586 518 –
  2. Lifeline: 13 11 14 –
  3. ACT Legal Aid: 1300 654 314–   
  4. Aboriginal Legal Service:  02 6120 8800 –
  5. Esafety Commissioner: 1800 737 732 –   
  6. Crime Stoppers ACT: 1800 333 000 –
  7. Translating and Interpreting Service: 131 450 –
 
SCHEDULE 1: EMERGENCY SERVICES AND SUPPORT SERVICES

1. Emergency Contacts
In the event of immediate danger to yourself or others, call 000 for Police
If you or someone else requires urgent medical assistance, call 000 for Ambulance
On campus emergency support: University of Canberra Security
Phone: 6201 2222 (24 hours/7 days a week)

2. Support Services
 
INTERNAL SUPPORT  
Student Wellbeing
A team of social workers and wellbeing support workers providing individualised support, confidential advice, referrals, and general information.		 02 6206 8841
Wellbeing@canberra.edu.au
UC Medical and Counselling Centre
A multidisciplinary health clinic providing confidential health and wellbeing support. Bulk-billed GP, psychology and nursing services		 02 6201 2351
UCMCC@canberra.edu.au
UC Crisis Support Line
Delivered by Lifeline, the Crisis Line is available to students for counselling and general wellbeing support.		 T: 1300 271 790
Text: 0488 884 227

The Residential Life Manager is the primary contact for residents living on campus at ºÚÁÏÍø.		 0455 776 648 (UniLodge)
0466 329 079 (Campus West)
Incident Reporting Tool
If you have experienced any form of violence or harassment, sustained an injury or identified a potential hazard on campus, we encourage you to reach out to us and let us help.		 Report an Incident - University of Canberra
 
EXTERNAL SUPPORT

An inclusive service supporting people impacted by domestic and family violence.		 02 6280 0900 (24/7)
Text: 0421 268 492
admin@dvcs.org.au

CRCC provides crisis lines, counselling and advocacy for anyone who has experience sexual assault and/or violence.		 02 6247 2525
0488 586 518 (text only)

Counselling support for people experiencing violence and abuse.		 1800 RESPECT
(1800 737 732)

Free Legal Support for all students.
(On campus at ºÚÁÏÍø in 1C70 Tue & Wed 9-5)		 1300 654 314
legalaid@legalaidact.org.au
 

Therapeutic support and safe housing to women and children escaping violence.		 02 6230 6900
admin@beryl.org.au

Relief and support to women and children experiencing gender-based violence		 1800 937 638
Online form

ACT Policing is responsible for providing policing services to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).		 000 (Emergency)
131 444 (Police Assistance Line)

Access Mental Health is the central point of entry to access mental health services.		 1800 629 354 (24/7)
(02) 6205 1065

A safe and caring environment for victims of sexual assault.
Address: Canberra Hospital, 5, Gilmore Cres, Garran ACT 2605		 02 6244 2184 (Monday to Friday 9am-5pm)
(02) 6244 2222 (after hours)

Legal assistance & support for women.
 		 02 6257 4377
1800 634 669 (free call)
admin@wlc.org.au

24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services		 13 11 14 (24/7)

Counselling and support to men over the age of 16 in the ACT who have experienced sexual assault or childhood sexual abuse.		 02 6287 3935
samssa@crcc.org.au

Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals who have experienced sexual assault.		 02 6247 2525

3. Additional Support for Students
 
ADDITIONAL ºÚÁÏÍø SUPPORT SERVICES FOR STUDENTS
University of Canberra Security Chaperone Service
Students can contact the Security Team to escort them to their vehicle or a nearby bus stop at any time of the day. Students should remain where they are, and a member of the friendly security team will meet them at their destination.		 02 6201 2222
Inclusion & Engagement
If you are a student with a disability and/or ongoing health condition, the I&E team can provide you with specialized support and information to help mitigate the impact this may have on your journey at ºÚÁÏÍø. 		 02 6201 5233
inclusion@canberra.edu.au  
Ngunnawal Centre
The Ngunnawal Centre is a focal point for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at ºÚÁÏÍø. The Centre is dedicated to helping students achieve academic and career goals, offering educational programs and support services.		 02 6201 2998
ngunnawal@canberra.edu.au
International Student Support Services
The International Student Support Service (ISSS) team at ºÚÁÏÍø assists international students with enquiries and processes related to your student visa, as well as providing advice to maximise your study experience and referral to other support areas within UC. 		 1300 301 727
InternationalStudent@canberra.edu.au
University of Canberra College
UC College is here to provide you the support, information, and guidance to ensure you make the most of your time with us, and successfully transition to your destination degree at the University of Canberra.		 02 6201 2961
ucc.studentservices@canberra.edu.au
Student Centre
The Student Centre is your one-stop-shop for all your administrative questions and needs		 1300 301 727
student.centre@canberra.edu.au
 
ADDITIONAL ºÚÁÏÍø STAFF SUPPORT SERVICES  
Converge International Employee Assistance Program
Confidential counselling service available to all staff and their immediate families.		 1300 687 327
 
6. Definitions:
Terms defined in these Procedures have the same meanings given in the Policy.