Sexual harassment is unwelcome behaviour of a sexual nature that makes a person feel offended, humiliated, intimidated, unsafe or uncomfortable.

It can happen in person, online, through messages, in class, at events, during rehearsals, in performance settings, at work placements, or in social situations connected to study.

Examples may include:

• unwanted comments, jokes or questions of a sexual nature

• unwanted comments about someone’s body, appearance, sexuality or private life

• repeated unwanted invitations, messages or attention

• displaying, sending or sharing sexual material without consent

• intrusive staring, gestures or behaviour

• pressure for dates, intimacy or sexual activity

• unwanted physical contact

• sexual behaviour that affects someone’s ability to study, work or participate safely

Sexual harassment is not acceptable at APAC.

Sexual assault refers to sexual activity that happens without a person’s free and voluntary consent.

If you have experienced sexual assault, it is not your fault. Support is available whether the incident happened recently or in the past, whether it happened on or off campus, and whether or not you want to make a formal report.

APAC can help you understand your options and connect you with specialist support services.

Consent means a person freely and voluntarily agrees to participate in a sexual activity.

Consent must be clear, mutual and ongoing. A person can change their mind at any time. Consent cannot be assumed because of a relationship, previous intimacy, silence, clothing, flirting, or because someone did not physically resist.

A person cannot give consent if they are pressured, threatened, coerced, asleep, unconscious, significantly affected by alcohol or drugs, or otherwise unable to freely choose.

At APAC, we expect all members of our community to respect boundaries, communicate clearly, and understand that consent is an active and ongoing responsibility.

If someone tells you they have experienced gender-based violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault or harm involving consent, you do not need to have all the answers.

You can support them by:

• listening without judgement

• believing them

• asking what they need

• respecting their choices where possible

• avoiding pressure to make a formal complaint

• helping them contact support if they want help

• taking immediate action if someone is in danger

If you are unsure what to do, you can contact APAC Student Support for advice.

Q. Do I have to make a formal complaint to get support?

No. You can contact APAC Student Support to talk about what happened, understand your options and access support without making a formal complaint.

Q. Can I report something that happened off campus?

Yes. If something happened off campus but is affecting your safety, wellbeing, study or participation at APAC, you can contact APAC Student Support.

Q. Can I bring a support person?

Yes. Where appropriate, students may have a support person involved when accessing support or participating in a complaints process.

Q. Will my information be kept private?

APAC will respect your privacy wherever possible. In some situations, APAC may need to share limited information to protect your safety, the safety of others, or meet legal and regulatory responsibilities.

Q. What if I am not sure whether what happened "counts"?

You're always welcome to reach out to APAC Student Support. You don't need to define or prove what happened before seeking help or guidance.

Q. What if I witnessed something?

You can contact APAC if you witnessed behaviour that made you concerned for someone's safety or wellbeing. APAC can help you understand what options are available.

Q. What if the person involved is an APAC staff member or student?

You can still contact APAC. Concerns involving students, staff, contractors, visitors or members of the APAC community can be raised through the appropriate APAC support or complaints pathway.