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| Sexual Harassment, Assault and Misconduct

As a student of AIIHE, you have the right to feel safe and secure at all times and to be able to participate in all aspects of AIIHE campus life. We believe that unwanted sexual attention including harassment, stalking and assault can prevent a student from fully participating in student life.
Behaviour that is intimidating, abusive, disrespectful, or threatening, including instances of sexual harassment, sexual assault or rape is not acceptable within our community or on our campus. If you experience an incident, we have services to provide support and can help you report the incident if you want to.

| What is sexual assault?

Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual act or behaviour that makes someone feel uncomfortable, threatened or frightened. It is behaviour that they haven’t consented to and is an abuse of entitlement and/or power. It can take many forms, including exposure to sexual acts, touching and rape.
Sexual assault can happen to people of all ages, genders and sexualities, within or outside a relationship. Sexual assault is a crime and is never the fault of the person who has experienced sexual violence.

You can find more information on sexual assault and harassment at reachout.com

| What is consent?

Consent means a free, voluntary and informed agreement between people to participate in a sexual act. Sexual consent is a free, voluntary and informed agreement between people to participate in a sexual act.

This agreement is only present when these people mutually and genuinely feel they want to engage in that sexual act and actively make sure their partner does too.

Five (5) core concepts of consent are:

  1. Free and voluntary
  2. Specific and informed
  3. Affirmative and communicated
  4. Ongoing and mutual
  5. Reflects capacity

Consent cannot be given by any person under the age of 16 years in all Australian states, except South Australia and Tasmania where the age limit for consent is 17 years of age.

Numerous well-resourced information sources are available on the topic of consent. These include the Australian Government’s website https://www.consent.gov.au/, the Department of Social Services website, and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare website among others. Please visit these sites to gain a good understanding of this important topic.

 

| Sexual harassment

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature which a reasonable person would expect will make the recipient feel offended, humiliated or intimidated. Sexual harassment can be verbal, non-verbal, written, graphic or physical. Depending on nature of the harassment, this can sometimes amount to sexual assault.

 

| Stalking

Stalking is repeated conduct or actions by a person, intended to exercise control and power over, or maintain contact with, another person. It is done against the recipients’ will and causes intimidation or fear. This can include:

  • repeated or unwanted contact by phone, text, email or social media
  • following or watching someone
  • leaving unwanted items or gifts for someone.
 

| Repercussions for committing sexual assault

Sexual assault is a crime and can result in severe criminal penalties according to the law.

AIIHE does not tolerate any unlawful conduct, and according to the Student Academic and Non-academic Procedure, a student found in breach may face consequences including fines, suspension and expulsion. Staff or affiliates found in breach may face disciplinary action or termination of employment. AIIHE is bound under the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) to make a report to the Police in many cases of serious offences, including sexual assault.

Learn more about your responsibilities under the Student Code of Conduct, Equity and Diversity Policy, Student Grievances and Appeals Procedure and Student Academic and non-academic Procedure.

If you are concerned about your behaviour, there is information and help available.

  • 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) provide anonymous experienced counselling services
    24/7 and connect you with support services in your area.
  • MensLine provide 24/7 counselling services for men who are dealing with issues of
    violence.

| If you need help

  • If you feel unsafe on campus or are concerned for someone else’s safety, you can contact Student Support Officer on 07 3667 9512 during office hours, 9 am to 5 pm on the weekdays.
  • If you would like to talk to someone about an incident involving sexual assault, you can call our Student Support Officer service on 07 3667 9512 from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. When you call, we can connect you with other AIIHE support services during business hours (9 am to 5 pm) and 24-hour telephone help from the QLD Rape Crisis Centre.
  • Alternatively, you can call QLD Rape Crisis Centre directly, on 1800 010 120.
  • In an emergency, contact emergency services by dialling triple zero (000).
  • After hours, there is 24/7 support and help available by phone from 1800 Respect, 1800 737 732 or online from www.1800respect.org.au, or the State-wide Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120.