Campus security
Sexual Misconduct Policy

Safety and respect on campus

If you or someone you know at Macquarie has experienced sexual assault or sexual harassment, you can talk to our staff or external services.

There are a number of support options and actions available to students and staff who have experienced sexual violence.

Definitions of sexual violence

Find out more about what behaviours may be considered sexual violence at the University.

Sexual assault is sometimes called rape. It occurs when a person is forced, coerced or tricked into sexual contact against their will or without their consent, or if a child or young person under 18 is exposed to sexual activities. Sexual assault is a crime. Sexual assault is not the victim's fault.

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome behaviour of a sexual nature that makes a person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated. It can happen during face-to-face interaction, or online. Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:

  • unwelcome touching, hugging or kissing
  • staring or leering
  • unwanted invitations to go out on dates
  • unwanted requests for sexual contact
  • intrusive questions about a person’s private life or body
  • sexually explicit emails or SMS messages,  and
  • touching or fiddling with a person’s clothing, such as lifting up a skirt or pulling down trousers

Behaviours online can also be considered sexual abuse and can be criminal acts.

This can include sharing intimate images without consent or threatening to share them without consent, online stalking and online sexual harassment.

Find out more about online behaviours which are considered abuse, and how to respond at the eSafety Commission website.

Making a report

When making a report, you can identify yourself or remain anonymous. If you make an anonymous report, the University may be limited in what it can do to respond.

  1. Submit a report online to the University. All reports are confidential.
  2. Staff will contact you (if you identify yourself) to provide information about support and response options.
  3. Response options depend on the situation and the needs of the person experiencing sexual assault or harassment.

You can also lodge a police report, where the police will ask you about the incident and discuss the possibility of a criminal investigation.

Support

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual harassment or assault, there are a number of support networks available to help. If you're unsure of how to proceed, call:

On campus emergency

Macquarie Campus Security
T: +61 (2) 9850 9999

Off campus emergency

Police and ambulance services
T: 000

Northern Sydney Sexual Assault Services

Provides evidence-gathering assessments and counselling services for adult victims of sexual assault.
T: +61 (2) 9462 9477

MQ Health – GP Services

You can ask for a bulk-billed appointment from the GP service at Macquarie University Hospital. Most international student health cover is accepted.
T: +61 (2) 9812 3944

Ryde Hospital

The Ryde Hospital has an emergency department available.
T: +61 (2) 9858 7888

Royal North Shore Hospital

The Royal North Shore Hospital has an emergency department available.
T: +61 (2) 9926 7111

Women's Health Centres NSW

Women's Health Centres located around NSW provide a range of medical and counselling services, free or low cost.

Full Stop Australia

24/7 telephone and online sexual and domestic violence counselling.
T: 1800 FULL STOP (1800 385 578)

Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helplines

For anyone from the LGBTIQ+ community whose life has been impacted by sexual domestic and/or family violence. Available 24/7.
T: 1800 497 212

Sydney Women’s Counselling Centre

Specialist counselling service supporting women affected by trauma.
T: +61 (2) 9718 1955

MensLine 24/7

A telephone and online support and information service for Australian men.
T: 1300 78 99 78

Survivors and Mates Support Network

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.
T: 1800 472 676

QLife LGBTIQ Counselling

A counselling and referral service for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex and/or queer (LGBTQIA+). Online and phone counselling are available.
T: 1800 184 527

Twenty10 (incorporating Gay and Lesbian Counselling Services)

Sydney based service providing a broad range of specialised services for young people 12-25 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender diverse, non-binary, intersex, questioning, queer, asexual and more (LGBTQIA+). Services include housing, mental health, counselling and social support.
T: +61 (2) 8594 9555

If you're supporting someone who has experienced sexual assault:

  • check they are safe
  • listen to and acknowledge their disclosure
  • tell them about specialist support
  • tell them how to report.

You can also contact University and external support on their behalf. If someone discloses their experience of sexual assault or sexual harassment, it is important to respect their confidentiality. Share the least information you need to, with the least number of people.