Need help right now?

In an emergency, call 000 for the police, an ambulance or the fire service.

For campus security, call 1300 582 483.

For a security escort on campus, call 1300 582 483.

For Student Support and Engagement, call 1300 244 746 (9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday).

Need to report a safety incident?

Submit an incident report



At Chisholm, we are committed to fostering a safe, healthy and respectful environment for our students, our employees and our guests. We have zero tolerance for sexual assault, sexual harassment and family violence.

We understand that sexual harm and family violence can have a significant impact on people's lives, and we are here to provide support to anyone in our community who needs it. 

Different forms of sexual harm

Sexual harm refers to any sexual behaviour that happens without free and voluntary consent. It can involve physical acts, threats, coercion, or manipulation and can also include non-physical actions. Sexual harm is an abuse of power and is never the fault of the person who experiences it.

Chisholm takes all reports of sexual assault and sexual harm (SASH) extremely seriously and will take appropriate action in response.

Sexual assault

Sexual assault is a serious form of sexual harm. It involves any sexual act carried out against a person's will, without their consent. This can include physical force, coercion, threats, intimidation, or when a person is unable to give consent due to age, intoxication, or incapacity.

Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • unwanted sexual touching or groping
  • forced or coerced sexual acts
  • sexual activity with someone who is unconscious or unable to consent
  • attempts to force or pressure someone into sexual acts.

Sexual assault is a criminal offence. Support is available for anyone impacted, and all reports will be treated with respect and confidentiality.

Sexual harassment

Sexual harassment is a form of sexual harm. It can be a person making an unwelcome sexual advance, an unwelcome request for sexual favours, or engaging in any other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature towards another person. This behaviour can be physical, verbal or written.

Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • sexually suggestive comments or jokes
  • unwanted touching, hugging or fondling
  • comments about a person's appearance
  • repeated, unwanted requests to go out or requests for sex
  • sexually suggestive behaviour such as staring or leering.

Read more about the specific harassment provisions for educational institutions outlined in the Sex Discrimination Act 1984, Section 28F.

Understanding consent

Consent is defined as free and voluntary agreement to something. When it comes to sexual activity, consent means that all people involved clearly agree to take part – freely, willingly and with a complete understanding of what they're agreeing to. Consent must be mutual, genuine and ongoing, with each person taking responsibility for ensuring their partner is comfortable and wants to continue.

Learn more about what consent means.

In Victoria, the legal age of sexual consent is 16. However, if there is a relationship of authority, such as between a teacher or student support staff member and a student, the age of consent increases to 18.

Family violence

Family and domestic violence refers to any behaviour that is violent, threatening, coercive or intended to control someone within a family, domestic or intimate relationship.

According to the Victorian Government and the Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Victoria), examples of family violence can include (but are not limited to):

  • an assault
  • a sexual assault or other sexually abusive behaviour
  • stalking
  • repeated derogatory taunts
  • intentionally damaging or destroying property
  • intentionally causing death or injury to an animal
  • unreasonably denying the family member the financial autonomy that he or she would otherwise have had
  • unreasonably withholding financial support needed to meet the reasonable living expenses of the family member or their child at a time when the family member is entirely or predominantly dependent on the person for financial support
  • preventing the family member from making or keeping connections with his or her family, friends or culture
  • unlawfully depriving the family member, or any member of the family member’s family, of his or her liberty.

Resources, reporting and support

If you are in immediate danger:

Call Triple Zero 000.

If an incident happens on campus:

If an incident happens off-campus:

  • Emergency services: Call 000
  • Support hotlines:

Reporting to Victoria Police (optional):

You can speak with Victoria Police confidentially without needing to make a formal report.

Options to report or seek advice:

  • Call Triple Zero (000)
  • Visit a local police station
  • Contact your local Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT). Find your local SOCIT here.

Support services at Chisholm:

If you’re experiencing sexual harm or family violence and need support, you can contact our Student Support and Engagement team. Our counsellors offer a confidential, non-judgmental space to talk and can help you understand your options or connect you with further services if needed.

Contact Student Support and Engagement:

External specialist services:

For immediate or urgent support:

  • South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault (SECASA): 1800 806 292
  • Safe Steps (family violence support, 24/7): 1800 015 188
  • 1800 RESPECT (domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, 24/7): 1800 737 732
  • 13YARN (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support, 24/7): 13 92 76.

Local specialist services:

Find your local The Orange Door service

Related policies and procedures at Chisholm

Read the full Student Code of Conduct: QMS117 Student Code of Conduct.

Read the full Privacy document: QMS301 Privacy.

Additional support contacts