Complaints Resolution and Integrity

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Complaints Resolution and Integrity

The University welcomes feedback (including any concerns or complaints) as an avenue for continuous improvement and to assist us in creating and maintaining a safe, positive and harmonious learning and work environment for our students and staff.

We place a high value on integrity and have a vision for ECU students, graduates and staff to be highly regarded as ethical contributors to society.

We have commitment to creating an environment that promotes ethical conduct by embracing standards of quality, reliability and lawfulness.

Gender-based violence, sexual assault and sexual harassment

At ECU, we are committed to creating a safe and respectful environment where gender-based violence, including sexual assault and sexual harassment has no place. If you’ve experienced gender-based violence, know that you are not alone—help is available.

What is gender-based violence, sexual harassment and sexual assault?

Gender-based violence

Gender based violence is any form of physical or non-physical violence, harassment, abuse or threats, based on gender, that results in, or is likely to result in, harm, coercion, control, fear or deprivation of liberty or autonomy.

This form of violence is rooted in gender inequality, power imbalances, and societal norms that perpetuate discrimination against individuals based on their gender. Gender-based violence includes family and domestic violence (also known as intimate partner violence), sexual assault, sexual harassment and technology-facilitated abuse including image-based abuse and cyberstalking.

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.

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.

Sexual assault 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.

Where to find support and report an incident

If you’ve experienced gender-based violence, including sexual harassment or sexual assault, know that you are not alone—help is available. Our priority is to ensure that all students and staff have access to safe and confidential support services. Whether you need someone to talk to, guidance on what to do next, or wish to report an incident, ECU is here for you.

Seek support at ECU: Visit our website to access support services
Disclose an incident to ECU: Fill out the Gender-based Violence, Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Disclosure Form (anonymous reporting available) or call ECU Security on 6304 3333.

Western Australia Reportable Conduct Scheme

The Reportable Conduct Scheme in Western Australia is a system that aims to make children safer. It requires heads of organizations, including universities, that exercise care, supervision, or authority over children to notify the WA Ombudsman of allegations of, or convictions for, child abuse by their employees.

The University Values and Staff Code of Conduct are indicative of the importance the University places on ethical behaviour. The University does not tolerate improper conduct and is committed to the aims and objectives of the Reportable Conduct Scheme which includes measures to help prevent child abuse and improve the systems and processes for preventing and dealing with complaints and reports of child abuse.

Western Australia Reportable Conduct Scheme - Overview

Further information about the Reportable Conduct Scheme is available from the ECU Reportable Conduct Scheme and WA Ombudsman Reportable Conduct Scheme webpages. We encourage you to report any alleged incidents of child abuse by ECU staff that you experience or witness. You may remain anonymous when reporting.

Report an Incident of Child Abuse