Support Services

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

Sexual Misconduct Officers provide a single point of contact at JCU for a person who has been subject to Sexual Harassment or Sexual Assault, or to the manager or person supporting that person.

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

The sexual assault services provide specialist, free, confidential support (24 hours by phone Australia-wide, and 24 hours in person response in Townsville and Cairns).

The Specialist Sexual Assault Services have support workers who can meet you and can offer ways to help you manage the physical and emotional affects you may be experiencing.
They can explain and assist with legal and medial options, including any emergency health care of forensic examinations, and, any decisions about reporting to police.

The Specialist Sexual Assault Services can also advise and assist you to access support from JCU to continue studying or working if you wish. They will ensure your decisions are communicated and respected. JCU Sexual Misconduct Officers can also assist you to connect with the specialist services.

JCU Student Equity and Wellbeing - Free and confidential information and counselling for JCU students.  Phone (07) 47814711 or (07) 42321150, or email studentwellbeing@jcu.edu.au

Lifeworks - Employee Assistance Program.  Free and confidential counselling for JCU staff. Phone 1800 604640.

Equity Contact Officers are available as one of the options for staff and students to contact regarding discrimination attributes and areas, including harassment and bullying queries and concerns. They provide information and referral options for both students and staff regarding both informal and formal resolution options.

An Equity Contact Officer will:

* Provide information to staff about the organisation’s policies and procedures related to discrimination, harassment and grievance resolution and where to access support or advice.

* Raise awareness within the workplace of the discrimination, harassment and grievance resolution procedures and the role of the Equity Contact Officer.

* Model positive behaviours and promote a discrimination free workplace.

* Provide confidential and timely statistical data to management to assist in the pro-active management and prevention of discrimination and harassment.

It is NOT the role of Equity Contact Officers to:

* Undertake the role of advocacy on behalf of any individual or group;

* Provide advice or opinions on matters of discrimination or harassment;

* Attempt to resolve or investigate complaints, take statements or talk to witnesses;

* Engage in counselling or any form of ongoing support for individuals or groups;

* Confront the alleged harasser whose behaviour has been reported as offensive;

* Take or keep written records of contact interviews unless the employee reports an incident of serious misconduct/criminal offence.

There are general health facilities on or near the Townsville and Cairns campuses.

For most health services you need to make an appointment and some services charge a cancellation fee if you miss your appointment. For specialist services, you will need to bring a referral from a general practitioner (GP).

If you are not familiar with the Australian health system, see About health services in Australia.

• Beyond Blue - Phone 1300 224 636 (available 24 hours a day, every day)
• Lifeline – Counselling - Phone 131 114(available 24 hours a day, every day)
• Relationships Australia – Phone 1300 364 277 (available 24 hours a day, every day)
• Suicide Call-back Service –Phone 1300 659 467 (available 24 hours a day, every day)
• Headspace
• ReachOut
• 13Yarn -  Phone  139276 (available 24 hours a day/every day)
• QLife - (Peer support service, will refer to Lifeline, Suicide Call Back, Beyond Blue for crisis support) - Phone 1800 184 527 (available 3pm - midnight, every day)