Safety and Wellbeing Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault and Gender-based Violence JCU Respect Misconduct Officers

JCU Respect Misconduct Officers

You can talk with a JCU Respect Misconduct Officer about any matter that is causing you concern - no matter how big or small the issue might seem.

JCU Respect Misconduct Officers provide a single point of contact at JCU for any person who has been subjected to sexist behaviour, sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic and family violence, or any form of gender-based violence,  or for anyone who is supporting that person.

The safety and wellbeing of the person who has been subjected to the behaviours are at the centre of all responses.  All contact is treated confidentially.

JCU has three dedicated Respect Misconduct Officers (details below) who can assist someone to connect with specialist community-based support services, if needed, or with JCU services.

The JCU Respect Misconduct Officers can work through what support a person needs to continue with studying or working, regardless of who harmed them or how long ago.

The kind of support the JCU Respect Misconduct Officers can provide includes accommodations such as, implementing safety plans; changes to allocation of student on-campus accommodation or short term emergency housing; changes to class scheduling; changes to assessment; changes to reporting lines (including Higher Degree by Research supervisory arrangements); temporary or long-term work or workplace reassignment. Support can be provided without the person who has made the report identifying the other person/people involved.

JCU Respect Misconduct Officers can also provide information and support on what actions can be taken to address an issue, including making a complaint.

JCU Respect Misconduct Officers will assist with coordinating responses to any incident that occurs on a field trip, placement or overseas. This may include connecting with specialist services, returning people to campus as needed, or assisting with consular support.

JCU has mandatory training that relates to sexual harassment, sexual assault and gender-based violence (the JCU Respect online module and Respectful Relationships workshops). The training is designed to be completed by all students and staff. If you feel unable to complete the training for personal reasons please contact one of the JCU Respect Misconduct Officers listed below to arrange a confidential exemption.

Gerry Polovich

JCU Respect Program Officer
I have a passion for human rights and social justice, managing issues from a holistic approach. I endeavour to create a safe space for people who may be experiencing unsafe situations. I have over 17 years working in the welfare sector, predominantly in the domestic and family violence field, supporting and assisting survivors and perpetrators of domestic violence.

Linda Ford

Senior Lecturer
I bring over 30 years of experience as a practicing Social Worker across diverse fields, including trauma-informed practice. I am committed to fostering safe, respectful, and supportive learning environments. My aim is to contribute to a secure and inclusive space.

Ashton Kline

Lecturer
Bringing academic expertise as a nursing academic and personal insight through lived experience, my deeply trauma informed approach to my role of Respect Misconduct Officer strengthens the university’s commitment to wellbeing, safety, and inclusivity. I am passionate about empowering students and staff through education, fostering cultures of accountability, and promoting evidence-based approaches to prevention and response.