Have a question or need more information about respectful communities at Deakin? We’re here to help.
Respectful communities
Everyone has the right to live, work and study in a safe and supportive environment. At Deakin, we're committed to creating a culture of safety, respect and inclusion, and to preventing and responding to gender-based violence.
Gender-based violence prevention and response
Gender-based violence is any form of physical or non-physical violence, harassment, abuse or threats based on gender that results in, or is likely to result in, harm, coercion, control, fear or deprivation of liberty or autonomy. It can happen in private or public, including at home, work, university or online.
Gender-based violence is the term now used across universities and includes behaviours that may previously have been described as sexual harm or domestic and family violence.
As a university community, we all play a role in preventing and addressing gender-based violence. We work to challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours, support people who experience harm and respond to disclosures and reports in a trauma-informed, person-centred way.
Our approach
We take a whole-of-university approach to preventing and responding to gender-based violence. Our work is guided by positive duty under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 and the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence, which sets seven standards for higher education providers.
Our Gender-based Violence Prevention and Response Policy and Procedure set out Deakin’s approach to this work, supported by the Staff Code of Conduct and Student Code of Conduct. Deakin’s National Code Gender-based Violence Committee provides oversight and accountability across the University.
Our approach is informed by evidence and input from students, staff and people with lived experience.
Our work in action
Our Respect and Gender-based Violence Action Plan 2026–2029 sets out the actions we’re taking to prevent and respond to gender-based violence and strengthen safety, respect and support across Deakin.
Download our Respect and Gender-based Violence Action Plan 2026–2029 (PDF, 5.0MB)
National Student Safety Survey
The National Student Safety Survey (NSSS) is one source of evidence that helps inform Deakin’s work to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. Together with other research and data, its findings help us identify risks and strengthen prevention, support and response.
Support when you need it
If you or someone you know has experienced gender-based violence or other concerning behaviour, support is available. Safer Community is Deakin’s primary point of contact for students and staff seeking support and advice. Call 9244 3734, Monday to Friday, 9am–4pm, or visit the Safer Community page for support, reporting and resources.
24/7 emergency support
If you’re in immediate danger or need urgent assistance, call:
- 000 for emergency support
- 1800 062 579 for Deakin Security on campus
You can also use the SafeZone app to contact Deakin Security quickly from campus.
Further support
Students and staff can find confidential support, information about reporting and complaints, and other resources on our student site.
For confidential external support, you can also contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
Contact us
Email Equity and Inclusion
