Support options

Discussing and disclosing instances of violence, abuse or harassment can be traumatic, uncomfortable and difficult. UOW has adopted a support-first model that works to ensure that you are supported on your own terms. We want you to know that it is not your fault and you are not alone.

SARC is here to help

You can contact the SARC team for support, advice and to find out about your reporting options. You can decide what you choose to do next and the type of support that you need. Find out how SARC can support you.

Contact SARC

Hi, my name is Mackenzie and I'm one of the coordinators at Safe and Respectful Communities, also known as SARC at UOW.
Come see the office and meet the team.
Follow me.   
SARC are located in Building 19.
Come up the rainbow stairs, turn left and then come through the sliding doors.
Just ring the doorbell and  one of our staff members will come to meet you, or you can even call or email us.
You can even contact us anonymously to find out more about your options.
Our support is led by you.
SARC is a team at the University that supports students that have experienced any type of violence.
This can include sexual harm, domestic violence, bullying, and discrimination.
If you or someone you know has experienced any type of violence on or off campus, you can contact our team and  we will support you and help manage the impact on your studies.
Even if your experience happened before you were at university, we can support you.
We're a service for everyone.
We help people of all bodies, genders, cultural backgrounds and relationships.
Our team is made up of specialists in trauma informed care and sexual violence.
We believe you and we support you.
When you make contact with SARC, we'll do our best to arrange an appointment to happen in a safe space like this room here, and everything you tell us will be confidential and we will support you in the ways that work best for you.
You can talk about something that's happened to you or to a friend without naming anyone involved.
If something has happened on campus involving a staff member or a student at the university, you may be able to make a formal report.
This means that SARC can investigate what has happened.
Our team work closely with UOW security, accommodation and counselling to help keep you safe.
If you would like to go to the police station, our team can support you.
We can help you apply for an AVO, make an anonymous report, even support you during the court process.
So if you'd like help, or you want to know your options, or you just want to have a chat, get in touch.

Other support options and resources

We encourage all members of the community to speak out and seek support if they see behaviour that is threatening in any way.

More resources

External support

NSW Sexual Violence Helpline 

NSW Sexual Violence Helpline is for anyone in NSW who has been impacted by sexual violence; whether as a victim/survivor, a supporter of a victim/survivor or as a professional. They provide telephone and online counselling, support and referrals. Their services are free and available 24/7.

Free call 1800 424 017

1800 Respect

1800Respect is a free, 24/7 national counselling service for people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence. They can be contacted through calling, texting, online chat or video call. 

Free call 1800 737 732
Interpreter 13 14 50
National Relay Service (NRS) 1800 555 677

NSW Domestic Violence Line

The NSW Domestic Violence Line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for counselling and referrals for women experiencing domestic and family violence.

Free call 1800 656 463
Translating and Interpreting Services 13 14 50
Type and Listen (TTY)  1800 67 14 42

National Violence and Abuse Trauma Counselling and Recovery Service

Also known as 1800 FULL STOP, this free 24/7 service is for anyone in Australia who has been impacted by sexual, domestic and family violence. 

Free call 1800 385 578

Domestic Violence Unit, Legal Aid NSW

The Domestic Violence Unit (DVU) is a free statewide service made up of a specialist team of lawyers, domestic violence case workers, mental health workers and financial counsellors who collaborate to support people who have experienced domestic and family violence.

Free call 1800 979 529

Wesnet

Wesnet is a national service providing relief and support to women and children experiencing domestic and family violence, intimate partner violence and other forms of gender-based violence.

Free call 1800 937 638

MensLine Australia

MensLine Australia offers national telephone and online support, information and referral service for men with family and relationship concerns. This free service is available from anywhere in Australia and is staffed by professional counsellors experienced in men’s issues. 

Free call 1300 78 99 78

Victim Services

Victim Services provides information, referrals, programs and schemes to victim/survivors of crime in NSW.

Domestic Violence Information for the Illawarra

This booklet designed by the Illawarra Committee Against Domestic Violence provides education about domestic and family violence and available services both nation wide and in the Illawarra.  

Qlife

Qlife provides anonymous and free LGBTIQ+ peer support and referrals for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. They are available from 3 pm to 12 am every day.

Free call 1800 184 527
Webchat with Qlife

Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline

This helpline provides support for anyone in Australia who is from LGBTQ+ communities who has experienced or been impacted by sexual, domestic or family violence. It is a free and confidential service available 24/7.

Free call 1800 497 212

ACON

ACON is a New South Wales based health promotion organisation specialising in HIV prevention, HIV support and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) health.

Visit the ACON website

Illawarra Shoalhaven Gender Alliance (ISGA)

ISGA is a registered health promotion charity that aims to enhance collaboration between the trans and gender diverse community, health providers and allies. They have multiple resources for people exploring their identity, seeking connection and wanting inclusive support. 

Sexual health clinic

The Illawarra Shoalhaven Sexual Health Service is a specialist HIV and Sexual Health Service providing free and confidential advice, testing and treatment for

  • Management of sexually transmissible infections.
  • Specialist management for HIV.
  • Assessment and treatment for hepatitis C.
  • Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for people with high risk of having been exposed to HIV within the last 72 hours.
  • Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for people with high risk of exposure to HIV.
  • Sexual health counselling and support.
  • Education and support for health care workers and GPs.
  • Research and clinical trials.

The clinics run Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm and calling to book an appointment is encouraged. 

Caddyshack

The Caddyshack Project is a sexual health program located in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven which promotes a positive approach to sex and sexuality for young people (aged 15 - 29). Their Youth Empowerment Tool provides reliable information on sexual and reproductive health topics. 

Play Safe

The NSW Health Play Safe website provides information on safe sex, condoms, STI testing and treatment. It also has a range of interactive features for self-assessment and peer support. 

Online Safety

Find the latest information to help you manage online safety, and get help to deal with harm caused by serious online abuse or illegal and restricted content.

eSafety Website
Report online harm

Contact SARC


Contact SARC for support, first level responder training (staff and students), and other training options.