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Sexual assault and sexual harassment

Sexual assault and sexual harassment

At ECU, we are committed to maintaining our safe learning and working environment. Sexual assault and sexual harassment is unacceptable.

We aim to foster a culture of respect, care and safety, and we have made progress towards this goal. This includes a comprehensive sexual assault and sexual harassment policy, implementing training and improving our reporting channels and how we support students.

For more detail, read our list of Student Safety Initiatives at ECU.

What is sexual assault and sexual harassment?

Sexual assault

Sexual assault includes a range of behaviours all of which are unacceptable and constitute a crime. Sexual assault occurs when a person is forced, coerced or tricked into sexual acts against their will or without their consent, including when they have withdrawn their consent.

Sexual assault is never the responsibility or fault of the person who has been assaulted. It's a misuse of power and it violates personal boundaries. It is a crime and is often perpetrated by someone known to them. Sexual assault can happen to anyone of any age, gender, cultural background, sexual orientation or religious belief.

Sexual harassment

Sexual harassment happens when someone makes an unwanted sexual advance, asks for sexual favours, or behaves in a sexual way that would make a reasonable person feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, or threatened.

Some examples include:

  • Unwanted touching, hugging, kissing, or staring in a way that makes someone feel uneasy.
  • Making unwelcome jokes, comments, or gestures about someone's body or personal life.
  • Asking intrusive questions about someone's relationships or sex life.
  • Sending explicit pictures, texts, or emails.
  • Pressuring someone to go on a date after they’ve said no.

Who do I contact in an emergency?

  • WA Police: phone 000 in an emergency situation or phone 131 444 for a non-emergency call
  • ECU Security: phone (08) 6304 3333 (24 hours)
  • ECU Out of Hours Crisis Line: phone 1300 583 032 or text 0488 884 232 (available 4:30pm to 8:30am on weekdays, and 24 hours on weekends)
  • Sexual Assault Resource Centre (SARC): phone (08) 6458 1828 or 1800 199 888 for emergency counselling and medical services in Perth

How do I report sexual assault or sexual harassment at ECU?

We encourage you to report any incident of sexual assault or sexual harassment that you experience or witness on ECU campuses or at any ECU activities. You can remain anonymous. You can also report on behalf of someone else.

  • ECU Security: phone (08) 6304 2282
  • Report via our online form

Where can I access support?

Support is available at ECU no matter when or where an assault or harassment happens. Sexual assault or harassment is not something you have to cope with on your own. You can decide if, when, and where, you seek help.

More about support available for staff

How can I support someone else?

If someone you know has experienced sexual assault or harassment, they may express a range of emotional or physical reactions. There is no right or wrong way for them to react. It's important to know some strategies to support them.

We would like to acknowledge and pay respect to the Noongar people, the traditional custodians of the land upon which ECU's campuses stand and programs operate.

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