Making a Report

Reports enable JCU to identify patterns (in behaviours or in areas of the University) and monitor progress towards eliminating sexual harassment and sexual assault. If the identity and contact details of the person subjected to the sexual harassment or sexual assault are provided in the report, information provision and support to that person can be facilitated.

JCU will act in line with the wishes of the person who has been subjected to sexual harassment or sexual assault, if that person has been identified (see 'who sees the report' for exceptional circumstances where JCU may be required to act otherwise). In all cases, the incident will be confidentially recorded.

The Sexual Misconduct Officers will provide advice on support that is available. Sexual Misconduct Officers provide a single point of contact at JCU for any person who has been subjected to sexist behaviour, sexual harassment or sexual assault, or for anyone who is supporting that person.

The Sexual Misconduct Officers can discuss options for addressing the problem. For example with sexual harassment, depending on what the person wishes, the options could include:

• taking no immediate action;
• the supervisor, or next level manager, or College Dean, resetting expectations about the offending behaviour with the other person/people;
• the requirement for the other person/people to undertake internally provided training;
• an apology being made;
• a complaint being made.

The report will only be accessed by the Sexual Misconduct Officers. Information provided will be confidentially managed, stored and archived in accordance with JCU’s Discrimination, Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy, Record Management and Information Privacy Policies. Reports are kept strictly confidential except in exceptional and very limited circumstances, for example, where there is an immediate and serious risk to others. In such circumstances, JCU may either a) elevate the report to a complaint, or b) notify third parties, such as the Police or child protection authorities.

Making a report is different to making a complaint. A report lets the University know that an incident has happened, and if the person affected is identified, ensuring that person has the support they need to continue studying and working.  A complaint may only be made in relation to conduct of members of the University Community and is a process that involves an investigation and may result in disciplinary outcomes. Typically, a report is made before a complaint is made but is possible to make a complaint in the first instance

You are able to make an anonymous report but the actions that are possible in response to anonymous reports are limited.

We acknowledge that reporting sexual harassment or sexual assault can be a difficult decision, and that a person must feel safe and confident that any report they make will be treated appropriately. JCU’s policy and procedures are designed to put the wellbeing and needs of the person who has been subjected to sexual harassment or sexual assault first, and the University will act in line with their wishes to the greatest extent possible.

Trauma-informed practice is at the heart of JCU’s approach.  It prioritises the safety, choice, and control of individuals impacted by sexist behaviours, sexual harassment, and sexual assault. It ensures that both individual and institutional responses are sensitive and do not cause further harm. This approach is supported by the following principles:

• Consistent Communication and Trustworthiness: Maintaining clear, honest, and consistent communication to establish and uphold trustworthy processes and responses.
• Empathy and Compassion: Responding with compassion and understanding to individuals’ experiences.
• Personal Autonomy, Choice, and Empowerment: Prioritising safety, choice and control to ensure any person impacted has a voice in their engagement with the University.
• Strength-Based Approach: Focusing on people’s strengths, respecting and valuing diversity.