Sexual harassment
Definition
Sexual harassment is unwanted, unwelcome or uninvited behaviour of a sexual nature in circumstances in which a reasonable person, having regard to all the circumstances, would have anticipated the possibility that the other person would feel humiliated, intimidated or offended.
It may include:
- unwanted requests for sexual favours
- offensive comments of a sexual nature
- staring or leering
- sexual or smutty jokes
- comments, questioning or teasing about a person's alleged sexual activities or private life
- persistent unwelcome invitations, telephone calls or emails
- offensive hand or body gestures
- the display of sexually suggestive material
- sending sexually explicit emails or text messages
- unwanted ongoing declarations of affection or approaches for affection, including gifts and being followed
- sexual assault or rape
- use of University computer systems for the retention and distribution of sexually explicit material.
Assistance at Monash University
Sexual misconduct (including sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, and any other form of unwanted contact of a sexual nature) by Monash students or staff is not tolerated.
Monash University manages disclosures and reports of sexual misconduct in accordance with the Sexual Misconduct Response Procedure (pdf, 0.18 mb).
Students or staff who have experienced sexual misconduct are encouraged to tell us about it:
If you’re a victim of sexual assault, see our sexual assault information booklet (pdf, 1.28 mb) for reporting information, help and support.
Safer Community Unit
Safer Community Unit officers are responsible for responding to members of the University community who contact them and:
- perceive that they may have experienced unacceptable behaviour
- or have been advised that an allegation of unacceptable behaviour has been made against them
- or are seeking support or advice about concerning behaviour towards themselves or others.
The role of SCU officers is to provide impartial advice and to assist a person to make an informed choice about actions under the University procedures and external options that may be available. Assistance provided by SCU officers includes:
- listening seriously and impartially to the concerns and perceptions of the person
- explaining the University's Resolution of Unacceptable Behaviour Procedures, including the definitions of unacceptable behaviour
- exploring possible strategies an individual might adopt to resolve the concern
- advising individuals of the various avenues of support available to them throughout the University and externally
- explaining that they are not providing legal advice or advocacy.
Students may seek advice or assistance from the Safer Community Unit at any stage.
Student life and support
Students may seek advice or assistance from the student life and support at any stage.
HR Business Partner
Or staff may contact HR Business Partner or the Safer Community Unit.
Safer Community Unit
Staff may seek advice or assistance from ethical.conduct.queries@monash.edu.
Security service
Immediate attendance to an incident on campus.