Wellness

Health, Safety & Wellbeing

At GCA, student well-being is a priority, with a strong focus on promoting a healthy balance between academic, personal, and social life. We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every student can thrive. Our aim is to foster a supportive environment where students can achieve success both personally and academically.

Please see our Health, Safety and Wellbeing Policy and our Student Welfare Policy for more information.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Group Colleges Australia (GCA) is committed to promoting an inclusive learning environment and providing equal opportunities for all members of its community to access, participate in and succeed in their educational and professional endeavours. These foundational principles reflect GCA’s values and guide decision-making across all levels of the institution, ensuring consistency in its approach to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Please see our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy for further information.

Consent, Sexual Assault and
Sexual Harassment (SASH)

Good relationships are all about respecting and trusting each other. At the heart of enjoyable, healthy and safe sexual experiences is a focus on consent. Always make sure that your partner gives their consent before engaging in sexual activity.

What is consent?

Consent is the free and voluntary agreement to willingly engage in sexual activity of any kind. You know you have consent if you get an enthusiastic ‘yes’ (verbal or non-verbal) from the other person that indicates they want to participate in the sexual activity. Remember that they have the right to change their mind at any time. If they ask to stop, or give signs that they are uncomfortable, do not keep going or try to persuade them to keep engaging in the sexual activity. Consent cannot be assumed where a person:

is silent
is not fighting back
says ‘no’ or ‘maybe’
is forced or coerced
is threatened or manipulated by authority

What is sexual assault & sexual harassment?

Sexual misconduct includes incidences of sexual harassment and sexual assault.

While the definition of sexual harassment varies across Australian (and other) jurisdictions, it generally involves an unwelcome sexual advance, unwelcome request for sexual favours or other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature which, in the circumstances, a reasonable person, aware of those circumstances, would anticipate the possibility that the person would feel offended, humiliated, or intimidated.

Examples of sexual harassment include:

staring, leering or unwelcome touching
suggestive comments or jokes
unwanted invitations to go out on dates or requests for sex
intrusive questions about a person’s private life or body
unnecessary familiarity, such as deliberately brushing up against a person
emailing pornography or rude jokes
displaying images of a sexual nature around the workplace
communicating content of a sexual nature through social media or text messages.

What can I do?

Understanding consent, sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH) is essential in conducting respectful relationships. We have provided links below to support learning about consent and SASH.

1800RESPECT:

Australia’s national sexual assault and domestic violence service. It provides information on consent, sexual assault, and includes 24/7 support services like online chat and a 24/7 telephone service.

The Line:

A website aimed at young people that explains the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships and sexual behavior through articles, quizzes, and interviews.

Consent.gov.au:

Offers conversation guides and information on understanding affirmative consent, which requires active and mutual agreement from all parties involved.

Planned Parenthood:

Provides a simple and accessible explanation of sexual consent, using the FRIES acronym to define the core components of valid consent.

How do I help someone else?

If someone discloses sexual harassment or sexual assault, the best approach is to listen. Some people want to talk about what happened to them straight away, and some people do not. It may take years for someone to disclose an act of sexual harassment, sexual assault and sexual violence. Listen without interrupting or talking too much, and don’t judge when they are ready to talk. Please see the links below for further resources on how to support someone who has experienced sexual violence:

1800RESPECT:

Supporting someone experiencing sexual violence.

Reach Out:

Sexual assault support services.

AIHW:

Family, domestic and sexual violence.

How can I report sexual assault?

If someone you know has experienced sexual harassment or assault, you should encourage them to discuss the matter with Student Services, a counsellor or GP, who can provide them with information, advice and support specific to their circumstances. Student Services can also provide advice for you to pass on to another person.

OFF CAMPUS
Police, Fire, Ambulance 000

REPORT
Police Assistance Line 131 444
Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000

SUPPORT
Lifeline 131 11 14
1800RESPECT 1800 737 732