1. Building a safe and respectful community, together
Ali Norton – Senior Consultant, Behavioural Support (Speak Up)

2. We all play a part
“La Trobe University is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for all students, staff and visitors. As part of this commitment, we are working on a range of initiatives to prevent and respond to sexual harassment, sexual assault and other forms of unacceptable behaviour.” Professor John Dewar, 28 February 2018
One of these initiatives in getting out to touch base with as many different leaders as possible to ensure you’re clear about expected behaviours, and where to refer yourself and others for support.

3. What would you say you do here?
Speak Up provides staff, students, visitors, contractors and community members a central reporting point for unacceptable student behaviour, including:
Bullying
Harassment
Discrimination
Violence (including sexual violence)
These behaviours can occur in person, online, via phone/text, on/off campus, on placement, or in in your personal life (with no connection to the University).
We also provide support for mental health and welfare concerns.

4. What is unacceptable behaviour?
Bullying
Discrimination
Treating someone less favourably because of personal attributes like:
Disability
Race
Gender
Sexual orientation
Religion
Multiple occurrences of:
Making fun of people
Unwanted nicknames
Socially isolating (excluding) or ignoring someone

5. What is unacceptable behaviour?
Harassment
Sexual harassment
Behaviour causing:
Intimidation
Insult
Humiliation
Can be a single incident.
Unwelcome sexual behaviour such as:
Comments about a person’s body/private life
Leering, staring or touching
Repeated unwanted requests for dates and/or sex

6. What is unacceptable behaviour?
Sexual violence
Violence
Sexual behaviour which causes someone to feel:
Uncomfortable
Frightened
Intimidated
Threatened
Coerced
Including:
Physical
Verbal
Emotional/psychological
Family/domestic/intimate partner
Hazing

7. What is unacceptable behaviour?
Sexual violence
Violence
Sexual behaviour which causes someone to feel:
Uncomfortable
Frightened
Intimidated
Threatened
Coerced
Including:
Physical
Verbal
Emotional/psychological
Family/domestic/intimate partner
Hazing (or “initiations”)

8. How can we create an inclusive community?
It starts with you.
Think about the messages you send through the types of events and activities you plan, and the overall image your club is looking to cultivate. Are you creating a space where anyone could feel safe and comfortable getting involved? (Hint – you’re going to have to ask others and really listen to their answers to gauge this.) If you see unacceptable behaviour occurring, do you address it? (Either directly, or by contacting another service for support?) Does the standard of behaviour in your club reflect the BSA and University’s expectations? (Have you read the Student Behaviours Policy?)

9. What should I do if someone tells me they’re experiencing unacceptable behaviour?
Listen. Believe. Support.
Don’t downplay or question their feelings. Let them know it’s not their fault, and they’re not alone. Ask them what they would like to do. Encourage them to connect with a service like Speak Up, which they can do anonymously. Remember – safety trumps privacy. Don’t promise you won’t tell anyone if someone’s safety is at risk.

10. Referring on You’re not expected to deal with everything yourself.
If someone discloses an issue impacting upon their safety, let them know that because you care about them, you need to link in someone who can provide appropriate support.
Try to have them present when you contact a service – this fosters transparency and agency.
You’re not letting someone down if you have to refer their issue – you’re demonstrating consideration for their wellbeing, and your own.
You’re not expected to be a counsellor.
You are expected to refer issues beyond your scope to more appropriate services, so it’s important to be prepared.

11. Why do people contact Speak Up?
Concerned about someone else and want advice.
To talk about a situation that’s bothering them.
To request the University investigate/take action on a matter of concern.
To speak with someone who will listen to, believe and support them.
Concerned about themselves and want to know about support options.
To report or document an issue of concern (which they may or may not wish to take further).
To provide anonymous or historical feedback.

12. Speak Up can be contacted anonymously
Speak Up can be contacted anonymously. Ring us, or choose the “Report Anonymously” option on our website.

13. Contacting us does not mean you have to progress your concern to a formal complaint.

14. How can I contact Speak Up?
Speak Up is not an emergency service. Standard working hours apply.

15. Remember – we’re here to help!

16. Thank
you