Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment (SASH)

AC deems Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment as follows:

Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual behaviour that makes a person feel uncomfortable, threatened or scared. It covers:

• Rape: forced, unwanted sex or sexual acts.
• Child sexual abuse: using power over a child or young person to involve them in sexual activity.
• Indecent assault: indecent behaviour before, during or after an assault.

Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual behaviour, which could be expected to make a person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated. Sexual harassment is not consensual sexual interaction, flirtation or friendship and is not behaviour that is mutually agreed upon. Sexual harassment can be physical, verbal or written and it can include:

• comments about a person’s private life or the way they look;
• sexually suggestive behaviour, such as leering or staring;
• physical contact of a sexual nature such as brushing up against someone, touching, fondling or hugging;
• sexually suggestive comments or jokes;
• displaying sexually offensive material;
• accessing pornographic websites on campus, at work or the University network;
• continued requests for dates that have been previously denied requests for sex;
• sexually explicit emails, text messages or posts on social networking sites,
• making or distributing sexually explicit photos or videos;
• unwelcome sexual advances;
• making or distributing sexually explicit photos or videos;
• acts of indecency; and
• sexual assault.

AC is committed to providing a safe on-campus and online student learning environment. AC has an obligation to report to TEQSA on how risks regarding sexual assault and sexual harassment are being managed.  As such, AC requires that HETPs provide evidence of services and resources in place to cope with SASH issues. AC requires that HETPs have in place clear, visible and documented guidelines for students.  

Reporting Requirements

The Measures to Prevent and Respond to Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment (SASH) Report covers the following areas of reporting:

• Clear guidelines for students on how to report a SASH incident.

• A dedicated team/staff to oversee HETP’s prevention and responses to SASH

• Evidence that Professional Development & periodic training is being conducted for all HETP administration and academic staff on responding to disclosures of SASH.