The Higher Education Gender-based Violence Regulator (GBV Regulator) has begun attending Orientation Week events, speaking with students about new safety protections under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (National Code).
Students have the right to feel safe where they study. A safe learning environment is essential to students’ wellbeing and academic success.
From 1 January this year, the National Code came into effect. It requires higher education providers to prevent and respond to gender-based violence, wherever it occurs, including on campus and online, in student accommodation, at university sporting and social events or during research or prac placements off campus.
The GBV Regulator is working with higher education providers and the National Student Ombudsman (NSO) towards a shared goal to end gender-based violence.
This week, departmental staff co-hosted a stall with the NSO at the James Cook University’s Market Day in Townsville, speaking with students about the National Code, student safety and how to raise concerns or complaints.
Darcie from the Department of Education at James Cook University’s Market Day, Townsville
Under the National Code, higher education providers must have a Gender-based Violence Plan in place to let students and staff know how they will prevent and respond to gender-based violence.
Students and staff who experience gender-based violence are encouraged to speak with their higher education provider. If they are dissatisfied with how a disclosure or request for support is handled, they can seek free and confidential advice from the National Student Ombudsman.
The GBV Regulator regulates higher education providers’ compliance with the National Code, which mandates that higher education providers take evidence-based steps that are trauma-informed and person-centred, to prevent and respond to gender-based violence across their whole organisation, wherever the gender-based violence occurs.
Departmental staff and NSO staff will attend Orientation and RESPECT week events at universities through February and March to help students understand the National Code, their rights and where to go for help.
If you or someone you know has been affected by gender-based violence and need to talk to someone, you can call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
To find out more about the GBV Regulator and National Code, visit Higher Education Gender-based Violence Regulator.