Respect at AU

Your impact

Creating a safe, inclusive culture

Adelaide University is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment. Behaviour that is intimidating, abusive, disrespectful or threatening - including any instance of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based violence - will not be tolerated.

Safety, wellbeing, and inclusion services are available to all Adelaide University students. If you’ve experienced or witnessed gender-based violence, sexual harm, or other inappropriate behaviour, you’ll find support, reporting options, and information on where to get help. 

You can access training and other resources promoting awareness, as we actively shape a culture of inclusion and respect together.

Understand gender-based violence and sexual harm

Our University is committed to providing a safe and respectful university environment for all. Gender-based Violence in any form - including sexual harm - is unacceptable. 

Our work to address gender-based violence aligns with the National Code to prevent and respond to gender-based violence in higher education.

To report incidents of gender-based violence, including sexual harm please visit reporting incidents or concerns by clicking the link below.

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Reporting an incident or concern

The University encourages you to report incidents you may have experienced or witnessed. This includes gender-based violence, sexual harm, and other inappropriate behaviour.  

Visit our webpage to learn more about student incident reporting options.

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Sex and consent

Consent matters - each and every time. We all have the right to be safe, respected and have autonomy over our bodies. 

Adelaide University is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all. Everyone has a role to play in creating a community where consent, positive communication and respectful relationships are a part of everyday life.

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Staying safe online

Being online is an integral part of student life. However, not all online spaces are safe. Some students may experience unkind comments or criticism - or more serious events. ​

This includes cyberbullying (for people under 18), adult cyber abuse, image-based abuse, or being targeted by scams.​

Learn how to stay safe online, and the support and information available.​

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External resources

If you need support outside the University, trusted external services are available. ​

Access free, confidential help for sexual assault, domestic and family violence, mental health crises, sexual and reproductive health, online safety, or education complaints. ​

Many services offer 24-hour support, specialist counselling, and culturally safe care, with no referral required.

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Learning and workshops

We support the health and wellbeing of our students by offering free learning and workshops to help create a safe, respectful, and inclusive community.

Available topics include first responder and bystander intervention, diversity and inclusion, and training focused on health and wellbeing.

Online learning modules

Details are coming soon about our new Respect at AU online learning modules at (with inclusions/exemptions).

Support services

Security

Students can contact Adelaide University Security Services on 8313 5990.

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Counselling

Request confidential, short-term counselling to help manage personal challenges affecting study or wellbeing. 

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Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Counselling services are available to Graduate Research Students and formally registered University volunteers. 

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Emergency contacts

If you’re facing an emergency situation, crisis, or feel unsafe:

  1. Call 000 for ambulance, fire or police 
  2. Go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
  3. Contact Mental Health Triage (24/7) on 13 14 65 
  4. Call Lifeline (24/7) on 13 11 14
  5. For after-hours student crisis support call 1300 107 441 or text 0488 884 163 (weekdays 5pm–9am and 24 hours weekends and public holidays).

Bystander action

Follow these steps if you are a bystander to a concerning incident:

  1. Direct: Address the situation or person causing harm if it's safe to do so.
  2. Distract: Create a diversion to interrupt the situation (e.g. ask for directions).
  3. Delegate: Get help from others - friends, authority figures, or emergency services.
  4. Document: Record the incident (if safe) to provide evidence later.
  5. Delay: Check in with the person affected after the incident to offer support.