Gender-based violence

Gender-based violence has no place at Charles Sturt. We are taking a whole-of-university approach to prevent and respond to gender-based violence, strengthen gender equality, and build a culture where respect and accountability are part of everyday university life.

Our work is guided by the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence and supported by our Gender Equality Action Plan 2026–2030.

What we’re doing

Charles Sturt is building on existing wellbeing, inclusion and safety initiatives to take coordinated action across our university community.

Our approach focuses on:

• Strengthening leadership and accountability: we are embedding gender equality and gender-based violence prevention into university governance and decision-making. This includes executive sponsorship, annual reporting, oversight through university committees, and regular monitoring of progress.

• Supporting a respectful culture: we are working to strengthen a culture where staff and students feel respected, valued and able to contribute fully. This includes training and education for staff and students, support for inclusive leadership, and continued awareness activities that promote respect, equity and belonging.

• Listening to students and staff: student and staff voices are central to this work. Feedback through surveys, consultation and agreed forums will help us understand experiences across our community and identify where action is needed. We will continue to use these insights to improve support, strengthen prevention activities and respond to the needs of those disproportionately affected by gender-based violence.

• Using data to drive action: we are developing stronger ways to collect, analyse and report on gender equality and gender-based violence-related data. This will help us identify barriers, measure progress and make evidence-based decisions, while protecting privacy and confidentiality.

• Creating safer and more inclusive student environments:  we are supporting initiatives that help students participate fully in university life, access opportunities and contribute to respectful communities. This includes strengthening peer support, student leadership, mentoring, clubs, societies and sporting environments.

Read the Whole-of-Organisation Prevention and Response Plan

Reporting and seeking support

You do not have to manage a difficult or unsafe situation alone. Support is available whether something happened recently or in the past, whether you are directly affected, or whether you are supporting someone else.

Charles Sturt is committed to responding with care, respect and confidentiality.

Seek support

Working together for a safer Charles Sturt

Creating a safe, respectful and inclusive university community takes all of us.

Through prevention, education, support, accountability and ongoing listening, Charles Sturt is working to build a university where every person feels safe, valued and respected.