In July 2017 the University enacted the stand-alone policy and procedure, Preventing and Responding to Sexual Assault policy and procedure. The Sexual Assault policy suite was developed to strengthen the University’s commitment to preventing sexual assault and to provide a clear framework for effectively responding to reports of sexual assault. While the Preventing and Responding to Sexual Assault policy suite was effective, on 6 December 2019 the policy suite was revised and renamed the Sexual Harm Prevention and Response policy and Sexual Harm Response procedure. The new policy suite strengthens Deakin’s commitment and ongoing work to foster a safe study and work environment free from all forms of sexual harm and to support those affected. The policy will also bring Deakin into alignment with best practice guidelines, improve procedural clarity and consolidate a number of disparate policies dealing with harming behaviour of a sexual nature for both staff and students. The Sexual Harm policy suite:

• improves the definition of behaviours covered by the policy and extends definitions to include sexual assault, sexual harassment and other behaviours of a sexual nature that are crimes

• consolidates all forms of sexual harm for staff, students and associates into one policy and procedure. 

• clarifies policy intent toward Deakin associates

• reinforces that the focus is on the needs of the person who has experienced sexual harm

• improves consistency with best practice guidelines, define two main options for bringing a sexual harm incident to the attention of the University: disclosure – for the purpose of receiving advice and/or support; and report or complaint – for investigation, resolution and action in accordance with relevant staff or student complaint and misconduct procedures

• establishes a single service unit to be the common place for receipt of disclosures for staff, students and associates

• clarifies circumstances where the University will consider reporting an incident to the Police when the person affected does not wish to do so

• improves clarity on the purpose of precautionary measures and their implementation.



Clauses Amended: all