Support for Sexual Assault and Harassment.
The Australian Institute of Higher Education is dedicated to preventing sexual assault and harassment, and supporting those affected. If you need assistance or information, this page provides resources on counselling, medical support, reporting, complaints, and external services.
Crisis support (24/7)
Police and ambulance services (immediate safety and medical concerns) – 000
1800 RESPECT (sexual assault counselling and information) – 1800 737 732
Other support services
Counselling is available 24/7, whether you’re seeking help for yourself, a friend or relative, a colleague or a client. Professionals are also encouraged to use 1800RESPECT for support with secondary referrals or vicarious trauma.
A 24/7 telephone and online crisis counselling service for women and men in NSW who have been impacted by sexual violence. Loved ones of victims impacted by sexual violence are also encouraged to use this service.
SACL is a state-wide, after-hours, confidential telephone service for people who have experienced both past and recent sexual assault. SACL operates between 5pm weeknights through to 9am the next day and throughout weekends and public holidays.
A national counselling service for adults who experienced sexual assault in childhood and are involved in, or impacted by, the National Redress Scheme resulting from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. This service is also recommended for supporters of anyone who has been impacted by institutional child sexual abuse, including parents and professionals.
Sexual assault and domestic violence
Provides information and support to help everyone in Australia experiencing anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts.
Specialist counselling service supporting women affected by trauma.
A professional telephone and online support and information service for Australian men.
A not-for-profit organisation working to increase public awareness of the effects that childhood sexual abuse can have on men in their adult lives.
Australia’s first nationally-oriented counselling and referral service for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex and/or queer (LGBTIQ). Online and phone counselling is available.
Sydney-based service providing a broad range of specialised services for young people 12-25 including housing, mental health, counselling and social support, who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender diverse, non-binary, intersex, questioning, queer, asexual and more (LGBTIQA+)
Helpful Information
Below you will find information that will support you to make the best decision for yourself, or the person you are supporting. For Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Policy and Procedures at AIH, please visit Policies and Procedures.
What is sexual assault and sexual harassment?
Sexual assault is any sexual or sexualised act that has not been consented to, agreed upon, invited, or chosen. It is a betrayal of trust and a denial of each person’s right to determine what happens to their body. Sexual assault can be committed against people regardless of their gender, age, sexual orientation, ability, and background. Sexual assault is sometimes referred to as rape, sexual abuse or sexual violence.
Sexual harassment is any unwelcome behaviour of a sexual nature that makes a person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated. It is not sexual interaction, flirtation or friendship which is mutual or consensual. Sexual harassment might include:
- Discussions of a sexual nature or graphic sexual description
- Sexual innuendos, slurs, jokes and comments
- Asking personal questions about a person’s sex life or body
- Repeated unwanted requests for sex and/or dates
- Displaying or distributing sexually suggestive visuals including pictures, calendars, posters, or sexually explicit materials such as videos or text
- Inappropriate touching such as patting, pinching, stroking or brushing up against the body
- Touching or rubbing oneself sexually around another person, or exposing yourself
What is consent?
Consent is when a person freely and voluntarily agree to sexual activity. Sexual assault occurs when someone is unable to and/or does not give consent. Consent is not always verbal but must be given before people engage in any sexual activity. The legal age of consent in NSW is 16 years old, regardless of gender.
The law says that a person may be unable to give consent when:
- Asleep or unconscious
- Significantly intoxicated or affected by drugs
- Unable to understand consent due to their age or intellectual capacity
- Intimidated, coerced or threatened
- Unlawfully detained or held against their will
- There is an abuse of power or a position of trust
The law requires the alleged perpetrator to demonstrate what steps they took to ensure consent was given.
How to report sexual assault or sexual harassment
If you have experienced sexual assault or sexual harassment, you are encouraged to report it so that you can get the support and information you need.
You can report the sexual assault to a specialist sexual assault service like 1800 RESPECT which can guide you through the options available to you.
You can report sexual assault to the police, who will ask you about the incident and discuss the possibility of a criminal investigation. You have the option of contacting your nearest Police Station, or you can complete a Sexual Assault Reporting Options (SARO) questionnaire if you live in NSW.
You can contact the Student Well-being Officer who can help direct you further to the appropriate services, Mr Alejandro Mendez (wellbeing@aih.edu.au).