Helping others

Establishing safety and organising emergency assistance

In the event of a recent incident of sexual assault, determine if there is any immediate danger, or if the person needs immediate medical/Police/Emergency Services assistance.

Emergency response to a critical incident involving Sexual Assault

• If OFF campus: call Triple Zero (000) for Police and/or Ambulance. Always call Triple Zero (000) in situations where a life is in danger, a crime is taking place, or when the situation is critical.
• An emergency translation service is available on 1300 655 010 Website: TIS

If on any UOW campus - call UOW security 4221 4900 (24 hours a day). Advise Security if police and/or ambulance are required.

If you, or the person you are supporting, have the  app, you can use it to contact the UOW Security team. Security will know your location on campus, respond to you and organise assistance from emergency services. If you are outside of the SafeZone, the app will prompt you and tell you. You can make a triple zero 000 telephone call as prompted.

Listen and support

It can be daunting to hear someone disclose a sexual assault or details of sexual harassment. Find a quiet safe place so that you can listen to the person. Remain calm and attend to what is being said. Listening without judgment can make a real difference. It is okay to take a moment to gather your thoughts before saying anything. Try not to ask too many questions about the incident.

Sexual assault and sexual harassment is an abuse of power usually involving intimidation over another person. Speaking clearly, calmly and compassionately can assist the person to feel safe.

Use encouraging words and phrases that avoid judgment and show support.

Consider the following phrases:

• "I'm sorry this happened." Acknowledge that the experience has had an impact. Phrases like "This must be really tough for you,"and, "I'm so glad you are sharing this with me," helps to communicate empathy.
• "It's not your fault." Remind the person you are supporting, maybe even more than once, that they are not to blame.
• "I believe you." It can be extremely difficult to disclose sexual assault or harassment. The person disclosing may be concerned that you won't believe them.

Explore support options

Communicate to the person that they do not have to go through this alone, and there are support services that can help. Recognise their right to have as much control as possible over what happens next. They may choose to discuss their support options with

• Contact SARC for confidential advice on supporting others. 
• A UOW Counsellor: Students can call - 02 4221 3445 during business hours and ask for a priority appointment.
• Or another Specialist Support Service such as 1800 Respect (1800 737 732). This hotline is available 24/7.
• NSW Rape Crisis Centre 1800 424 017. This hotline provides 24/7 telephone and online crisis counselling.
• Domestic Family Violence and Sexual Assault Service on 1300 356 218. This service provides free 24/7 crisis and medical support for anyone in the Illawarra or Shoalhaven who has experienced a recent sexual assault. It can also help connect you to other support services. If you are not in the Illawarra or Shoalhaven area then contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) for information about local medical and legal support services close to you.

Self-care

Helping others in a disclosure of sexual assault or sexual harassment can be confronting and difficult to process emotionally. Acknowledge your feelings. It is recommended that you debrief afterwards whilst still respecting the privacy of other persons. You can also get support:

• UOW students can speak with a counsellor from the UOW Counselling Service. To make an appointment call 02 4221 3445.
• UOW Staff can contact their Employee Assistance Program on 1300 361 008 for counselling support.

Further information on respectful relationships

UOW would like to promote a safe, respectful community free from violence and intimidation. We offer a range of training modules for students and staff that promote the importance of good communication, clear boundaries, mutual respect and consent. Our training workshops and on-line modules aim to promote positive relationships, bystander intervention, and a Support First model when others need help.

Consent Matters is an on-line module for students and staff that covers sexual consent, communication in relationships, and bystander intervention. This course will help people understand what consent looks like and identify situations where it can?t be given. The Consent Matters course is available on Moodle for all staff and students at UOW.

EO On-line - an online module for staff that promotes respectful relationships on campus free from discrimination or harassment.

 - ask about Student Leader programs on violence prevention and programs on health and safety education, including sexual consent.

UOW's Close Personal Relationships Guidelines sets out expectations regarding staff obligations to appropriately manage staff-student relationships and relationships between staff members, acknowledging that these relationships can raise issues concerning the balance of power and conflicts of interest. Staff are strongly advised not to enter into close personal relationships with students. However, where they exist or develop, staff are required to disclose the relationship in accordance with the University's Conflict of Interest Policy. Students are also strongly encouraged to disclose the relationship independently to their Head of School or other appropriate senior officer.