Australian Catholic University (ACU) is dedicated to fostering an environment where every person feels valued, protected, and empowered. Guided by our mission and values, ACU is implementing the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence, which applies from 1 January 2026.

 The Code sets clear expectations for universities to take proactive steps in prevention, response, and support for those impacted by gender-based violence. ACU’s work is sponsored by the Vice-Chancellor and President through the whole-of-organisation program of action.

About the National Code

The National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence was developed by the Federal Department of Education in partnership with leading experts, advocacy groups, victim-survivors, and the higher education sector.

The Code establishes clear standards for the preventing, reporting, and responding to gender-based violence across seven areas: governance, safe environments, capability, support, processes, data, and student accommodation.

Purpose - Provide unified, sector-wide expectations so all universities meet consistent standards of safety and support.

Scope - Applies to on-campus activity, placements, university-affiliated events, digital spaces, and off-campus activities connected with the university.

Implementation - ACU must embed the Code across policies, training, reporting mechanisms, data systems, governance structures and support services.

ACU’s Commitment and Obligations

ACU has clear responsibilities under the Code, including creating safe environments, providing accessible trauma-informed support, maintaining strong reporting pathways, and ensuring systems that protect staff and students from harm.

Beyond compliance, ACU is committed to meaningful, values-driven change. We are:

• Reviewing and updating all relevant policies and procedures to ensure full alignment with the Code’s requirements.
• Enhancing training for staff and students to build awareness, foster respectful relationships, and encourage proactive bystander intervention.
• Strengthening our support services and reporting pathways to ensure they are accessible, confidential, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive.
• Working collaboratively with students, victim-survivors, advocates, and external experts to co-design solutions and ensure accountability.

Governance and Leadership

ACU’s implementation of the National Code is overseen through a clear governance structure to ensure accountability and coordinated action.

The Vice-Chancellor and President chairs a dedicated Gender-Based Violence Taskforce, comprised of senior executive leaders across the University.

Implementation is delivered collaboratively by:

• Safeguarding and Student Safety and Student Accommodation, led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), and
• People and Capability, led by the Chief People Officer.

These teams work together to strengthen prevention, response, reporting and support systems and to ensure all work is trauma-informed and aligned with ACU’s mission.

How ACU is Implementing the National Code

ACU is delivering an evidence based multi-year program informed by working groups, consultation with staff and students, insights from victim-survivors, and national best practice.

Key areas include:

• Strengthening governance and university-wide coordination
• Improving physical, digital and procedural safety environments
• Enhancing reporting pathways and support services
• Co-designing policies, training and resources
• Establishing new monitoring and evaluation practices to track progress and impact

What This Means for Staff and Students at ACU

Implementation of the National Code involves changes across the University. These include:

• Prevention and education – building awareness and fostering respectful relationships across our university community
• Clear processes – ensuring transparent, accessible pathways for reporting and responding to incidents
• Policy updates – introducing a dedicated Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence Policy and updating related university policies and procedures
• Support services – strengthening resources for those affected, with a focus on care, confidentiality and trauma-informed practice
• Training and capability building – developing new training and guidance for staff and students, including responding to disclosures
• Data reporting and evaluation – improving how we track, review and act on information to ensure continuous improvement

What is 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. It encompasses a range of behaviours, including (but not limited to):

• Sexual harassment
• Sexual assault
• Family and domestic violence
• Stalking
• Online harassment and image-based abuse

Support is Available

If you have experienced, observed or are concerned someone is experiencing gender-based violence, support and assistance are available to you.

ACU is committed to confidentiality and will not disclose personal information unless required by law.

If you wish to make a report, you can do so safely and confidentially. Our staff will support you to understand your options and prioritise your wellbeing.

ACU staff and their immediate family members can access free, confidential, 24/7 counselling and support through Acacia EAP. This service can assist with emotional support, safety planning, managing stress, or navigating difficult circumstances related to gender-based violence.

Find out more about Acacia EAP or book an appointment.

External Support Services

If you prefer to seek support outside the university, the following services are available:

• 1800RESPECT (24/7) - National support for sexual assault, domestic and family violence.
• Phone – 1800 737 732
• Online chat available
• Full Stop Australia – Specialised trauma counselling for sexual, domestic and family violence.
• Phone – 1800 385 578
• Men’s Line Australia – Counselling for men experiencing relationship or family violence.
• Phone – 1300 789 978
• 13YARN – Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• Phone – 13 92 76
• InTouch – Support for migrant and refugee women experiencing family violence.
• Phone – 1800 755 988
• QLife – LGBTQIA+ peer support and counselling.
• Phone – 1800 184 527
• Online chat available

Training and Education

ACU is developing new best-practice training, education and resources on gender-based violence, trauma informed practice, responding to disclosure and respectful relationships. These initiatives will support staff, students, student leaders and ACU residents in helping build a safer, more respectful community both on and off campus.

Further details about the training, education and resources will be shared in early 2026.

If you require more information or interested in getting involved in the development of these initiatives, please contact Staffrespectandsafety@acu.edu.au.

Further Information:

Proposed National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence 2025

 The Action Plan Addressing Gender-based Violence in Higher Education