Report or raise a concern about gender-based violence (GBV)

It takes courage to reach out.

You can tell us about something that has happened to you or someone else at any time, whether it occurred recently or in the past.

Our reporting pathways offer a safe, confidential and trauma-informed space to share what happened or raise a concern, and to explore any next steps you may want to take.

This page covers how to report online through the UTS GBV portal.

You can also learn about:

• other ways to report or raise a concern
• how we support you throughout the process.

Choose how you share what happened

Reporting an incident does not have to mean filling out a form. If something has happened to you or if you want to raise a concern, you can:

• report or disclose an incident online
• talk to someone confidentially
• explore your options before deciding what feels right for you.

A UTS safety caseworker can offer confidential support

You can speak to a safety caseworker (see contact details below). They can connect you with further resources and help coordinate practical arrangements such as safety and support planning.

You may also choose to disclose or report anonymously

Please know that doing so may limit our ability to respond to you directly or provide you with information. If you choose this option, support is still available.

However you decide to tell us, you have choices about what happens next.

Access the UTS GBV portal

Talk to a trusted person  

When submitting a discolsure or report and undertaking any resulting University process, please know that you are allowed to share information, including any information considered to be ‘confidential’ with your support person(s), including any legal, health or allied-health professional (like your psychologist, therapist or counsellor) as well as the National Student Ombudsman. Where you have concerns about who you may or may not share information with, please contact a member of the UTS Safety Casework team for more information.

What happens next?

What happens after you make a report or disclosure depends on what you have told us and what you want to happen. We will listen to you and respect your decisions.

If you have made a disclosure to UTS Security, a staff member or student leader, they will pass it on to the Safe and Respectful Communities team for follow-up and support.

You can also read more about the process in the Gender-based Violence Response Procedure.

What to expect from the process

• Initial contact: When you submit an online disclosure or report via the portal, the Safe and Respectful Communities Team will receive it. A UTS safety caseworker will contact you using your preferred method by the end of the next business day. If you have chosen to remain anonymous, we will not be able to contact you directly.
• Your safety caseworker: A safety caseworker will be assigned to you. They will work with you to create a plan for your safety and wellbeing, help you understand your options and guide you through the formal safety or reporting processes.
• Support services: You may be offered information about adjustments to help you manage your work or study and keep you safe, as well as referrals to various other services, which may include counselling, accessibility, health services and financial assistance, depending on your needs.
• Information gathering: Your safety caseworker will also work with you to collect information or evidence to help UTS understand what has happened and to respond appropriately.
• Ongoing support: You will be offered support and regular face-to-face or online meetings for checks-ins and updates during the process. You can also choose not to receive updates on the investigation.

Our trauma-informed approach

UTS recognises that the process of gathering and providing information, incident details and evidence may be retraumatising. We will take a supportive, trauma-informed approach that accommodates your needs and preferences and works on a timeframe that feels right for you.

You are welcome to bring a trusted support person with you at any point.

All information you tell us about GBV will be treated confidentially, in line with the Gender-based violence notification privacy notice.

Investigating reports of GBV

All reports will progress to an investigation. Throughout the investigation process you can expect the following.

• How investigation decisions are made: UTS will take your views into account before proceeding to an investigation where possible. In certain circumstances an investigation is required. This includes situation where a risk to people is identified or when UTS believes a crime has been committed.
• Investigation management: UTS will manage all investigations in line with the Gender-based Violence Prevention and Response Policy.
• Timeframe: Investigations and disciplinary processes will normally be completed within 45 business days of the report being made.
• During the investigation process: Throughout the process, your safety caseworker will be your primary contact, and. you will be offered support and regular face-to-face or online meetings for checks-ins and updates on your case during the investigation process. You can also choose not to receive updates on the investigation.

Further details on UTS response mechanisms and investigations are available in the Gender-based Violence Response Procedure.

Note: UTS takes anonymous disclosures and reports seriously and will take reasonable and proportionate action. We use this information to identify trends or risks and guide future prevention and response actions.