REMEMBER: THE DECISION ABOUT WHAT TO DO IS ALWAYS WITH THE PERSON WHO EXPERIENCED THE HARASSMENT
When do I have to report an incident?
Any Arc staff member who receives a disclosure or complaint of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or another form of gender-based violence should submit a report using the Gender-Based Violence Incident, Grievance and Complaint Report form.
You should disclose this requirements to the victim before making the report. If requested, you should keep their identity confidential. However you should include the time and place the person presented and what assistance was offered and taken. Details should be observations only and not judgements or opinions about the events described.
This information may help Arc prevent or reduce the occurrence of such incidents in the future Arc may also have an obligation to report Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault incidents to UNSW via their portal, however we will respect any wishes for identifying information to be withheld when making these reports.
Is this the same as reporting to UNSW?
Reporting to Arc and UNSW are two different things. Reporting to Arc will allow us to look over processes, structures and cultures within Arc as necessary, whereas UNSW can offer help so that you continue your degree safely. Report to UNSW on their website.
If I report an incident, how will it affect me?
Note: you cannot lose your student visa or right to study at UNSW for reporting an incident.
UNSW is obliged to respond to any complaints about students and staff promptly, with fairness, sensitivity and confidentiality. You cannot suffer detriment or disadvantage as a direct result of making a complaint to the uni. If you are victimised because you made a complaint, tell the Conduct & Integrity Unit immediately. Victimisation can be grounds for staff or student disciplinary action.
Arc Legal & Advocacy can help you understand the different reporting options (and their pros & cons) available to you.
My friend was assaulted, but doesn't want to report the incident. I think they should. What can I do?
The decision about what to do is always with the person who experienced the assault.
If a Club Executive is aware of an assault at a Club activity (either by directly witnessing it, or the assault is reported to them afterward), they must report the assault, but the identity of the victim, should be excluded if the victim requests that it be kept confidential.
Even if you think providing details about the victim is important, it may not always be the best decision for your friend. Your friend has already had their sense of personal control taken away - pressuring them to make a certain decision, or reporting their identity in the incident report behind their back, can do them more harm than good.
Additionally, your friend might have concerns about any negative consequences they may experience if they report an incident.
Instead: you can best help your friend by listening to and supporting them. Helping them learn about the different options they can explore – such as medical support, legal advice, or counselling – can also give your friend some sense of control back. If you are a Club Executive, let your friend know that you must report the incident, but that you don’t have to identify them, and ask them whether they want to be identified. Arc won’t seek to find out their identity if it is being kept confidential upon request of the victim.
This information may help Arc prevent or reduce the occurrence of such incidents in the future Arc may also have an obligation to report Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault incidents to UNSW via their portal, however we will respect any wishes for identifying information to be withheld when making these reports.
