Safer Communities is a confidential Student Wellbeing service that work with students and staff to create safe and respectful campuses for everyone. We provide support to students who have experienced or witnessed inappropriate, threatening or harmful behaviour, on or off-campus.
Our staff are professionals with specialist experience in responding to behaviours of concern including sexual and intimate partner violence.
We all have a role to play in building a community that respects diversity and promotes inclusion. If you're concerned about any behaviour, we're here to help and encourage you to reach out.
Contact Us – We're Here to Support You
If you have any concerns, need advice, or just want someone to talk to, we’re here to help.
There are many ways to get in touch with us – choose the one that works best for you!
Anything you share with us is confidential – we won’t share it unless there is a serious or imminent risk to the safety of you or someone else or are required to by law.
Our business hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–4:30 pm.
Book a phone call
Schedule a 15-minute call with our team through the Student Hub. We’ll listen to your concerns and arrange a longer appointment if needed.
Complete our online form
You can submit your concerns online, and can even tell us anonymously if you prefer. If you provide contact details, we’ll follow up via phone or email.
Email us
Email: safe@usc.edu.au
Call us
Student Wellbeing: 5430 1226 and ask for the Safer Communities team.
What to expect
Once you’ve contacted us, here's what you can expect from us:
- A culturally safe and confidential space to share your concerns
- Help to understand and talk through your concerns
- Assistance with safety planning, academic adjustments, and addressing immediate needs
- Clear information about your options, including informal and formal pathways
Support to identify harmful behaviour
If you are unsure whether you or someone else has experienced harmful behaviour, we can help you recognise, and access support and resources address it.
There are many forms of harmful behaviour that can occur in person, online or though technology, including bullying, harassment, gender-based violence, other forms of inequality such as racism, homophobia and discrimination.
Students often seek support for:
- Managing conflicts with other students or staff
- Developing safety and support plans on campus
- Feeling unsafe at home or within a relationship
- Concerns about treatment by others, including students, staff, or placement personnel
- Helping a friend in need
- Reporting harmful behavior
Support for students affected by gender-based violence and sexual violence
Gender-based violence and sexual Violence covers a range of sexual harms including sexual assault, sexual harassment, and any other form of unwanted contact of a sexual nature.
If you’ve experienced sexual violence, it’s not your fault and you’re not alone. We’re here to help. Learn about the resources and support available to you, including guidance on reporting concerns and understanding what to expect throughout the process.
Prevention & Culture Change
At UniSC, prevention is about more than responding to harm. It's about creating a community where respect, inclusion and belonging thrive.
Safer Communities supports UniSC's whole-of-university approach to preventing and responding to gender-based violence and harmful behaviours. We work alongside students, staff and external partners to build safer environments, strengthen capability and drive positive cultural change in gender-based violence
Our Prevention Approach
Build Belonging
Connection and belonging help create safer communities. We create opportunities for students to connect, participate and feel part of the UniSC community.
Challenge Drivers of Violence, Shape Culture
Preventing gender-based violence and harmful behaviours means addressing the attitudes, behaviours and social norms that enable harm. We support learning, conversations and action that promote respect, equality and inclusion.
Build Capability
Prevention starts with knowledge, confidence and skills. We equip students, staff and leaders to build respectful relationships, recognise harm, and take action as active bystanders and upstanders.
Our Partners in Prevention
Creating lasting change takes a collective effort.
Through our Partners in Prevention framework, we collaborate with students, schools, professional and academic teams, and community organisations to co-design initiatives that strengthen safety, respect and belonging.
Together, we're embedding prevention across learning, student experiences and everyday university life.
Prevention in Action
Be That Teammate
Sport plays a powerful role in building belonging and shaping culture.
Our flagship Be That Teammate campaign, established in 2025, encourages students to:
- Support their teammates
- Challenge harmful behaviours
- Act when something isn't right
- Help create inclusive and respectful sporting environments
SEXtember
UniSC began participating in the national unversity campaign SEXtember in 2025, which aims to promote education and resources for students on sexual and reproductive health, consent, and healthy relationships.
2026 SEXtember program coming soon!
You Are Welcome
The You Are Welcome campaign, which commenced in 2025, takes an intersectional approach to Gender-Based Violence and harmful behaviours, by promoting diversity and inclusion for student groups who are shown to be at higher risk of harm.
Resources
Action against gender-based violence
UniSC is committed to fostering a culture of safety and respect for everyone in our community. Learn more about UniSC's gender-based violence prevention and response.
FUNdamentals to Play It Safe
This guide offers practical tips and essential insights to help you maintain a safe, respectful, and supportive environment at UniSC. Whether on campus, online, or in the broader community, it empowers you to create positive experiences for yourself and others.
Respect at UniSC Training
Accessible via the Student Portal, this training equips students with tools to promote respectful interactions and foster a safer university environment.
Bystander Intervention
Explore the importance of stepping in and standing up through this interactive Sway resource.
Get Involved
Join the Stand-Up Collective: a collective of students contributing to UniSC’s gender-based violence prevention initiatives. Sign up at Stand Up | Student Portal.
Support for students who have experienced racism, discrimination or harassment
There is no excuse for racism, discrimination, harassment or bullying and it is never acceptable at UniSC, or in our communities.
If you have experienced any of these behaviours (directly or indirectly) or witnessed them, we want to know, and we are here to support you.
Find out how to get support
Community resource directory
This list outlines free, confidential support services in Queensland for people facing challenges.
Policies supporting Safer Communities
UniSC is dedicated to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all members of its community. Our policies are designed to promote safety, address harmful behaviors, and provide pathways for resolution and support.
- Student Charter
- Student conduct - Governing Policy
- Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment and Respectful Relationships (Students) - Operational Policy
- Student Complaints Resolution - Academic Policy
- Resolution of Complaints (Staff) - Guidelines
- Student Ombudsman - Operational Policy
- Student Misconduct - Procedures
Safety awareness and support
UniSC is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all students, staff, and visitors. We encourage everyone to stay alert, report concerns, and make use of the resources available to promote a secure and welcoming campus experience.