At UQ, we strive to ensure our campuses are a safe and respectful environment for all of our students and staff. Respect is about treating all others with dignity and care.
As a member of the UQ community, you have a shared responsibility to conduct yourself in accordance with the University’s Student Charter and the Staff Code of Conduct. Sexual misconduct is not tolerated here at UQ. If you have experienced sexual misconduct, we are here to provide you with support.
Need emergency support?
If you are experiencing an emergency or need urgent support in relation to an experience of sexual assault or harassment, then you can call:
- +61 7 3365 3333 UQ Security for on campus emergencies
- 000 for immediate police or ambulance assistance
- 1800 Respect 1800 737 732 for 24/7 counselling support
- Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) 07 3646 5207 for 24/7 Acute Response
- External community support options in Queensland
2021 National Student Safety Survey findings
In 2021, The University of Queensland participated in the National Student Safety Survey (NSSS), comissioned by Australian universities. The NSSS assists universities in improving their responses to sexual misconduct and how to best support those affected. UQ's results are now available.
Get involved
Support, Report & Educate
If you are a survivor of sexual misconduct, help is available to you at UQ and in the broader community. We are here to support you without judgement.
UQ Support Options
Sexual Misconduct Support Unit (SMSU)
UQ's SMSU is a safe and supportive place for the UQ community to receive free, confidential guidance and support around sexual assault and sexual harassment. The SMSU can also provide support and information to people experiencing domestic and family violence.
You can contact the SMSU by:
- booking an appointment online on StudentHub,
- calling our support line +61 7 3443 1000 (open Monday to Friday, 8am to 4.30pm),
- emailing sexualmisconductsupport@uq.edu.au, or
- submitting a confidential report online.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
UQ staff and their immediate family members can access a free and confidential wellbeing, coaching and counselling service through the EAP. The program is provided by PeopleSense, UQ's wellbeing and employee assistance provider, through qualified practitioners.
To access the EAP:
- call 1300 307 912 to make an appointment
If you are calling due to an urgent crisis and you have concerns for the welfare of yourself or a family member, tell the booking service and they can connect you with a crisis professional.
Confidential phone counselling, manager assist and critical incident services are available 24/7.
How can I report to UQ?
If you are a survivor of sexual misconduct (assault or harassment) you can report the incident to UQ by:
- submitting a confidential online form
- calling +61 7 3443 1000
- emailing sexualmisconductsupport@uq.edu.au
We will not disclose any identifiable information to others outside UQ unless we are legally required to do so or believe there is a genuine threat to a person’s health and safety.
What happens to my report?
By submitting a report, you are not initiating a formal, investigative reporting process. We will only use the information you provide to put you in contact with a member of the SMSU who will talk you through your support and reporting options.
Reports can be kept anonymous and no further action needs to be taken. The choice is with the survivor on how they intend to proceed.
Why should I submit a report?
There are lots of reasons why someone might choose, or choose not, to report their experience of sexual misconduct. Victim-survivors have the right to choose if, how and when they report their experience. UQ’s reporting options and procedures are designed to put the needs and wishes of the victim-survivor first, to ensure their safety and wellbeing. If you include your contact details in your report this will enable us to put you in contact with an SMSU Counsellor who can provide you with information and support. Both formal and anonymous reports enable UQ to identify patterns in behaviour and provide us with information that can help us make UQ a safer, more supportive space.
I want to report to the police
In a campus emergency contact security on +61 7 3365 3333.
Off campus, call Triple Zero 000 for immediate police and ambulance support.
You can make a report to the Police for a criminal investigation of an incident. If you are out of immediate danger, the SMSU can provide you with support in reporting an incident to the Police.
Consent
Consent is a vital part of all intimate relationships and sexual interactions. Ensure the safety of you and your partner/s by making sure everyone involved is informed and comfortable. When it comes to sex, consent is not an option. Find out more about why consent matters and how to access support?
Ethical Bystanders
An ethical bystander is someone who witnesses an event that concerns them, chooses to do something, and considers the safest way to intervene. Ethical bystanders play an essential role in keeping our campus safe and help build a culture of respect and zero-tolerance to violence. Find out how to be an ethical bystander.
Safety and respect online
As more and more of our lives move online, it is important to understand how to keep your self safe and to practice respect online. Find out about safety, respect and online dating.
UQ Respect training
UQ Respect delivers a variety of training sessions for both UQ staff members and students throughout the year. Explore and attend the training options available to you to help promote a safe and respectful UQ Community at the UQ Respect Training page.
Safety on campus
You should never be made to feel unsafe or scared on campus, but if you need assistance on campus you can call UQ Security on 3365 1234 or download our app.
Emergency Support
Police: 000
UQ Security: +61 7 3365 3333
1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732
Contact us
UQ Respect Coordinator
uqrespect@uq.edu.au
Sexual Misconduct Support Unit
sexualmisconductsupport@uq.edu.au
+61 7 3443 1000