Share your feedback on UNSW’s gender-based violence policy

30 Jan 2026
Societal Impact
Edition 1 2026
View towards UNSW library tower from middle campus

The new policy is part of the University’s ongoing work to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. 

A new Preventing and Responding to Gender-based Violence at UNSW Policy came into effect on 1 January 2026 alongside the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (Cth). The policy is one way we’re building a culture of safety and respect at UNSW. 

The policy has been published for consultation. Your feedback ensures the policy works in practice for our community.

Gender-based violence is never acceptable, and everyone in our community shares responsibility to prevent it. The policy establishes the University’s position on gender-based violence, the factors that contribute to it, how we seek to prevent gender-based violence and how we respond with a trauma-informed approach. 

It explains reporting and management pathways, our commitment to invest in knowledge and capability for our staff and students, and the range of available support services. 

Gender inequality is a key driver of gender-based violence. The policy reinforces the shared responsibility of leaders in promoting gender equity through the implementation of the University’s Gender Equity Strategy 2024–2028 and modelling behaviours that support gender equity and the UNSW Code of Conduct and Values.

It notes key principles in how the University responds to and prevents gender-based violence:UNSW will enable prevention through education programs that align with our Whole of Organisation Gender-based Violence Prevention and Response Plan and outcomes framework.

  • Everyone has a role in prevention – through education, active bystander programs and modelling respectful behaviours, we can challenge harmful attitudes and promote gender equity.
  • Clear pathways for support and reporting – students and staff can report gender-based violence and access confidential help, including specialist counselling and tailored safety plans, through the Gendered Violence Portal.
  • We support you – UNSW supports people who have experienced gender-based violence to achieve their educational outcomes and sustain their careers. The University provides multiple services and ways to access counselling and safety planning, including expert support services that prioritise safety and wellbeing and that do not require a formal report.
  • A trauma-informed and person-centred response – when someone lets us know about an experience via the Gendered Violence Portal, staff who respond will be educated to provide a person-centred and trauma-informed approach. You can speak to the person you feel most comfortable with.
  • Fair procedures and real consequences – there are multiple pathways to manage gender-based violence and our investigations are procedurally fair with real consequences that are reasonable and proportionate.

Have your say – share feedback on the policy

The Preventing and Responding to Gender-based Violence at UNSW Policy is now open for an extended period of consultation. Your feedback helps ensure this policy effectively supports safety, equity and respect across the UNSW community.

Share your feedback with the Policy team by email (policy@unsw.edu.au.au) by COB on Tuesday 10 March 2026.

You can also share feedback via the anonymous policy feedback form.

Support is available

Help is available for anyone affected by gender-based violence. 

Students and staff can report gender-based violence and access confidential support via the Gendered Violence Portal. Your report can be anonymous. 

The Gendered Violence Response Team and the Employee Assistance Program can help students and staff choose from multiple avenues to report and manage their experiences. 

If you are a student, support is available via the:

If you are a staff member, you can:

External support options include: 

  • 1800RESPECT – call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, online chat service
    • Free, confidential 24/7 counselling, information and referral service for anyone in Australia impacted by domestic, family and sexual violence including people supporting a friend or family member.
  • Full Stop Australia – call 1800 385 578
    • Sexual, domestic and family violence response and recovery services.
  • Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Sexual Assault Service – 24 hours
    • Monday to Friday (02) 9515 9040
      After hours (02) 9515 6111
      Ground Floor, KGV Building, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Missenden Rd, Camperdown.
    • Counselling and medical service for people aged 14 and over who have been sexually assaulted.
  • Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline – call 1800 497 212
    • Trauma counselling provided by counsellors who have completed specialist training by ACON.
  • 13YARN – call 13 92 76
    • 24/7 confidential one-on-one yarning opportunity with an Aboriginal and Torress Strait Islander (ATSI) crisis support worker for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or are having difficulty coping. 

Further external reporting options include:

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