Response to the National Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence

The University of Queensland is committed to creating an environment that fosters safety, respect and inclusion, and prioritises the protection, dignity and wellbeing of our students, staff and the broader UQ community.

National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence

The Australian Government’s National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence establishes a mandatory, sector-wide standalone regulatory framework for universities to prevent, respond to, and report on gender-based violence.

The Code requires all universities to take a whole-of-organisation approach to preventing and responding to gender-based violence across 7 key areas – governance, safe environments, knowledge and capability, support, processes, data, and student accommodation.

Gender-based violence includes any form of physical or non-physical violence, harassment, abuse or threats based on gender, that can result in harm, coercion, control or fear of deprivation of liberty.

UQ’s response

The University supports the introduction of the Code. In our response, we are further strengthening our evidence-based, best practice prevention and response strategies, and reaffirming our long-standing commitment to providing all members of the UQ community with a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.

This is being achieved through:

updating key plans, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with the Code and further strengthen our practices
increasing training requirements and offering new training options for staff and students
enhancing education and awareness efforts through evidence-informed campaigns
continuing to make data on disclosures and reports of gender-based violence publicly available through UQ’s annual reporting
working closely with our affiliated entities and accommodation providers to ensure a consistent, coordinated approach to preventing and responding to gender-based violence and ensuring all members of our community feel safe, respected and included.

A key part of UQ’s response to the Code is the establishment of UQ Safer Communities – a central point of contact and support for students, staff and the broader UQ community for matters related to all forms of inappropriate, concerning or threatening behaviour, including gender-based violence.

Key plans, policies and procedures

To address the requirements of the National Code across its 7 key standards, UQ has developed and/or updated the following plans, policies and procedures:

Governance and reporting

The Vice-Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Sexual Misconduct was established in 2017 to guide and oversee policies, strategies and initiatives aimed at preventing sexual misconduct. In 2025, the scope of the Committee was broadened to include gender-based violence and it was retitled as the Vice-Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Sexual Misconduct and Gender-based Violence: Prevention and Response.

Chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, this group includes senior leaders from across the University and reports biannually to the University Senior Executive Team (USET) and Senate Risk and Audit Committee.

The Committee makes recommendations on strategic approaches, considers subject matter expert feedback and recommendations, and provides direction to various working groups tasked with implementing key initiatives.

UQ Safer Communities

UQ Safer Communities leads the prevention of, and response to, all forms of inappropriate, concerning or threatening behaviour. These include gender-based violence such as sexual assault, harassment, and domestic and family violence, as well as bullying, harassment, racism, and discrimination.

UQ Safer Communities provides a coordinated, evidence-informed, whole-of-organisation approach to prevention and response that prioritise the safety and wellbeing of every member of the UQ community.

No matter where a person seeks help, they will be connected to UQ Safer Communities for prompt, compassionate support and a coordinated response.

Model and principles

Our comprehensive service model means we can deliver end-to-end services and support from primary prevention and early intervention to response and recovery.

The UQ Safer Communities team:

provides confidential advice and support to students and staff impacted by harmful behaviours
supports victim-survivors of concerning or complex behaviour
educates and supports staff, students, and the wider community to promote a culture of safety, inclusion, and respect
supports staff in identifying, managing or responding to student behaviours that may present risk
facilitates safety and supports planning for individuals at risk (e.g. on campus, in class, or on placement)
responds to disclosures and refers formal complaints or conduct matters.

UQ Safer Communities is underpinned by the following key principles and frameworks:

no wrong door approach
trauma informed
culturally informed and sensitive
intersectional approach
evidence informed
co-designed
natural justice
social justice.

Our model and supporting principles ensure student and staff safety and wellbeing is prioritised. Providing access to person-centred, trauma-informed and culturally inclusive support and appropriate training, helps ensure UQ is a safe place to study, work and visit.

Commitment to confidentiality and positive duty

The University has a responsibility to manage risks and prioritise the safety of an impacted person and the community. Equally, we are committed to respecting the wishes of, and maintaining the confidentiality of, the discloser, and protecting the privacy of the person of concern. We are committed to providing natural justice to all parties. UQ Safer Communities provides guidance on balancing confidentiality with legal and safety requirements, always aiming to support and keep impacted persons informed.

Support

For support and assistance contact:

E: safercommunities@uq.edu.au

T: +61 7 3443 1000