Adelaide University is committed to creating a safe and respectful university environment for all. The University recognises that all forms of gender-based violence, including sexual harm are unacceptable.
We want to be part of the solution for responding to and preventing gender-based violence which includes addressing the intersecting forms of inequality and disrespect that contributes to gender-based violence.
Gender-based violence is defined as any form of physical or non-physical violence, harassment, abuse, or threats based on gender that results in harm, coercion, control, fear, or deprivation of liberty or autonomy.
Adelaide University acknowledges that addressing gender-based violence requires a whole-of-university approach that incorporates comprehensive prevention activities, in addition to trauma-informed, person-centred and compassionate response processes.
For information on how to report incidents of gender-based violence, including sexual harm please visit reporting incidents or concerns.
The work to address gender-based violence at Adelaide University, aligns with the Australian Government Action Plan addressing gender-based violence in higher education.
In line with this action plan, Adelaide University is committed to the requirements of the Universities Accord (National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence) Bill 2025 (the Bill) which passed Parliament in August 2025.
The Bill created a power for the Minister for Education to make the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (National Code) as a legislative instrument. The Code seeks to reduce the incidence of gender-based violence, proactively strengthen prevention efforts, improve the response to gender-based violence; and hold higher education providers accountable for their performance, including in student accommodation.
Adelaide University has continued the work of both foundation universities to address gender-based violence. Adelaide University has demonstrated a commitment to the requirements of the National Code through the development of a comprehensive Gender-based Violence Prevention and Response Plan, available January 2026.
The following policy and associated procedures apply to all members of the University community, including University-operated student accommodation (in line with policy).
