Support during UTS Christmas closure period
Closure dates
UTS will be closed from 25 December to 4 January.
Staffing across the university will be significantly reduced during this time.
If you need urgent support
Contact the UTS GBV Support Line for urgent support during the closure period.
Call the GBV Support Line
- Phone: 1800 531 626
- This connects you with UTS Security, who operate 24 hours a day throughout the closure
- They can help with immediate safety needs and link you with UTS Counselling
- Please note that UTS counselling services are also operating on reduced hours
In an emergency
- If you are in immediate danger, call 000
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.
Important changes to gender-based violence reporting
UTS is implementing a new, university-wide approach to GBV prevention and response, with more consistent processes and a single reporting portal. Our goal for these changes is to make it easier and safer for students, staff and others to seek support and report concerns on their own terms.
The new processes reflect our commitment to a trauma-informed, person-centred system that builds trust and ensures every concern is taken seriously.
Find out more
Need help now?
Emergency Services: call 000
UTS Security (24 hours): call 1800 249 559
UTS gender-based violence support line: call 1800 531 626
The UTS GBV support line is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. If you need help outside these hours, UTS Security can connect you with support.
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.
To speak with a safety caseworker
Email safety.caseworker@uts.edu.au
Phone 1800 531 626
- Available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (excluding public holidays)
- After hours calls redirect to UTS Security for immediate assistance and help connecting with appropriately trained counselling staff
In person
- Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm by appointment
- To make an appointment, email safety.caseworker@uts.edu.au
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.