Safe Campuses at ACPE
We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for our students. Everyone has a right to respect and a right to feel safe and participate freely in College activities. ACPE does not tolerate sexual assault, sexual harassment, or bullying in any form on campus, off campus or online. We encourage everyone in the ACPE community to call out and report and seek support if any disrespectful behaviours occur.
As a community, we all have a responsibility to:
- Recognise when something isn’t right
- Be an effective bystander
- Know how to support our friends and colleagues
- Call out and report disrespectful behaviour
- Seek support
- Create a safe campus community.
How should I respond?
- At all times, the priority is to support victims of sexual assault and sexual harassment.
- Provide a safe and supportive environment – give them your full attention. Remain calm and remind them that it is not their fault, and that support is available.
- Focus on the person’s physical and emotional wellbeing.
- Show empathy, respect and understanding.
- Acknowledge their feelings.
- DO NOT DISPLAY JUDGEMENT OR DISBELIEF – THIS WILL CAUSE FURTHER TRAUMA.
- Allow them to speak.
- Allow them to choose the next steps. They may not want to report it immediately.
- Only ask information that is necessary to provide support.
- You can seek support services, but you have to have their consent to do so.
What should I say?
It can be confronting to hear from someone who has been sexually assaulted. It is sometimes difficult to know what to say when this happens. Your words matter especially when you are responding to someone who has suffered such a traumatic experience.
Use phrases like:
- It’s not your fault that this happened.
- I’m sorry that this happened to you.
- How can I help?
- I believe you.
- You are not alone.
- How can I support you with this?
- Also pay attention to how these words are received by the individual.
Show support in your actions. Don’t try to take over and tell them what to do.
Don’t judge or criticize. Avoid too many “why” questions because this can be misunderstood as blame.
Comfort them.
Don’t get angry on their behalf and don’t assume that you know how they feel.
Encourage them to seek support and speak to a counsellor.
Check in with them.
What is my duty as a bystander?
It can be confronting to hear from someone who has been sexually assaulted. It is sometimes difficult to know what to say when this happens. Your words matter especially when you are responding to someone who has suffered such a traumatic experience.
Use phrases like:
- It’s not your fault that this happened.
- I’m sorry that this happened to you.
- How can I help?
- I believe you.
- You are not alone.
- How can I support you with this?
- Also pay attention to how these words are received by the individual.
Show support in your actions. Don’t try to take over and tell them what to do.
Don’t judge or criticize. Avoid too many “why” questions because this can be misunderstood as blame.
Comfort them.
Don’t get angry on their behalf and don’t assume that you know how they feel.
Encourage them to seek support and speak to a counsellor.
Check in with them.
On campus support:
- ACPE Counsellor – A registered psychologist is available all year round to support students. The Counsellor can be contacted via email counsellor@acpe.edu.au.
- Urgent matters – contact the Director, Student Services and Campus Wellbeing at mrocha@acpe.edu.au via phone (02) 8061 2717 / 0410 885 728.
- Contact ACPE Student Services / Reception for an appointment at studentservices@acpe.edu.au / (02) 8061 2701
Off Campus Support
- NSW Rape Crisis (Phone and online counselling) – free 24/7 telephone and online crisis counselling service for anyone who has experienced sexual assault.
Telephone: 1800 424 017
Website: www.nswrapecrisis.com.au
- Northern Sydney Sexual Assault Service – Forensic and counselling service for adults
Telephone: 02-9462 9477
- QLife – Anonymous and free phone or online support for LGBTQIA+ people, available daily from 3pm to midnight.
Telephone: 1800 184 527
Website: https://qlife.org.au/
- Mensline Australia – Free phone or online support for men
Telephone: 1300 789978
Website: https://mensline.org.au/
- National Relay Service – 24 hr service relaying information for people who are deaf or have speech impairments. There are special contacts available for emergency services.
TTY / Voice calls: 133 677
Speak and Listen: 1300 555 757
SMS Relay: 0423677767
Website: www.relayservice.gov.au
Safe Campuses at ACPE
You can use the form below in order to submit an anonymous message.
