The Respect Taskforce
The Respect Taskforce is the University's strategic unit responsible for defining and prioritising the goals of the University in eliminating sexual assault and sexual harassment amongst both staff and students. Specific actions to achieve Respect goals will be undertaken by the relevant specialist area/s, identified through consultation. Where required, the taskforce may establish working groups with a wider membership to support its work, or work with existing groups. The taskforce will develop an accessible and transparent articulation of the University's Respect goals and actions, to be shared with both the University community and the general public and relevant documents including meeting minutes will be published on this page.
Terms of Reference
- Develop strategies to improve the culture, policies and practices of the University in relation to sexual assault and sexual harassment.
- Oversee and monitor the implementation of new policies, procedures and practices.
- Identify and mitigate risks to members of the University community.
- Act as the liaison point for relevant stakeholder groups within the University, its affiliates and the wider community.
- Advise on training programs and University activities and events to raise awareness and knowledge of responsibilities.
- Advise on University communications.
- Advise the Provost on strategy, resources and specific issues as necessary.
Membership
- Richard James, Nominee of the Vice-Chancellor
- Evan Kritikakos, Director Students and Learning
- Daniel Persaud, Deputy Head International House
- Amanda Davis, Nominee of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)
- Jenny Morgan, Professor in Law
- Tim Brabazon, Nominee of the Chief Operating Officer
- Laura Tarzia, Senior Research Fellow Domestic Violence Research
- Cathy Humphreys, Professor in Social Work
- Jill Carter, Nominee of the Executive Director Human Resources and OH&S
- Naomi Smith, UMSU Women’s Officer
- Damian Powell, Nominee of the Heads of Residential Colleges
- Archit Agrawal, President UMSU International
- Eliza Colgrave, GSA Women's officer
- Debra Tegoni, General Counsel and Executive Director, Legal and Risk
Executive Officer:
- Illy Paumolevuka, Chancellery Academic
Resources
Anonymous Register for Inappropriate Behaviour
In March 2019 the University established an anonymous register for inappropriate behaviour. This register allows students, staff, alumni or visitors to record instances of inappropriate behaviour without making a formal report, although we still encourage formal reporting where possible. The full list of possible questions is available for preview.
The data collected through this register is used to better understand the scope and nature of inappropriate behaviours within our community, and to develop, implement and evaluate preventative efforts to eliminate these. Consolidated data will be published annually on this page. A high level overview of the first 4 months of submissions to the register is available here.
Respect.Now.Always. and the AHRC
The AHRC report, Change The Course: National Report on Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment at Australian Universities, was released on 1 August 2017. The AHRC also released advice on how to read the institutional data. The UoM institutional results as well as the analysis report were published on the same day, along with a press release. Public briefings about the results were offered to the UoM community and are available as both lecture slides and a recording. The University committed to all 9 of the recommendations made in the report and provides regular updates to the AHRC about progress towards these.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) Policy
The University of Melbourne is committed to taking an active role in addressing SEAH risks and meeting its compliance obligations under the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) policy (DFAT PSEAH Policy)
The DFAT PSEAH Policy sets out expectations and requirements for all DFAT partners to manage sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment risks and incidents in the delivery of DFAT business.
Bystander Interventions
Everyone’s Responsibility: The Potential for Bystander Intervention at the University of Melbourne. Read the report or the brief or watch the video prepared by members of the 2017 Academic Women in Leadership Programme.
Take Action: Empowering bystanders to act on sexist and sexually harassing behaviours in 2018 the University partnered with VicHealth, the Office for Women, Department of Premier and Cabinet and the Behavioural Insights Team to develop a ‘light touch’ email series to encourage staff and students to take action against sexist behaviours and sexual harassment. The intervention was tested using a randomised controlled trial, and having been demonstrated as an effective means of changing behaviour now forms part of the University’s suite of communication tools.
RNA awareness raising campaign material
Staff only: A comprehensive range of materials is available for you to display and distribute throughout your department or faculty to underline your commitment and to show staff and students where to seek the help and support they need.
Safer Community Program
The Safer Community Program (SCP) promotes a respectful, inclusive, and connected campus community that fosters safe learning, working and living at the University of Melbourne. The SCP provides the opportunity to seek support and advice about behaviours of concern.
Respect Week
Respect Week at the University of Melbourne celebrates our commitment to a safe, inclusive, connected and respectful University community that embraces diversity and is free from behaviours that place people at risk of harm.
Student Respect Page
The University of Melbourne is committed to a safe, inclusive and respectful community.
Meetings
2020
| Date | Time | Meeting Documents |
|---|---|---|
| 24 March, 2020 | 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm | TBC |
| 30 April, 2020 | 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm | TBC |
| 28 May, 2020 | 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm | TBC |
| 8 July, 2020 | 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm | TBC |
| 17 August, 2020 | 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm | TBC |
| 28 September, 2020 | 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm | TBC |
| 11 November, 2020 | 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm | TBC |
| 14 December, 2020 | 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm | TBC |
2019
| Date | Time | Location | Meeting Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 March, 2019 | 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm | Level 7 Meeting Room, Raymond Priestley Building | Download |
| 22 May, 2019 | 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm | Level 7 Meeting Room, Raymond Priestley Building | Download |
| 18 September, 2019 | 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm | Level 7 Meeting Room, Raymond Priestley Building | Download |
| 14 November, 2019 | 11:00 am to 12:30 am | Level 7 Meeting Room, Raymond Priestley Building | Download |
2018
| Date | Time | Location | Meeting Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 February, 2018 | 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm | Level 7 Meeting Room, Raymond Priestley Building | Download |
| 21 March, 2018 | 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm | Level 7 Meeting Room, Raymond Priestley Building | Download |
| 18 April, 2018 | 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm | Level 4 Meeting Room (401), Raymond Priestley Building | Download |
| 16 May, 2018 | 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm | Level 7 Meeting Room, Raymond Priestley Building | Download |
| 20 June, 2018 | 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm | Level 7 Meeting Room, Raymond Priestley Building | Download |
| 15 August, 2018 | 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm | Level 7 Meeting Room, Raymond Priestley Building | Download |
| 19 September, 2018 | 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm | Level 3 Meeting Room, Raymond Priestley Building | Download |
| 17 October, 2018 | 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm | Level 7 Meeting Room, Raymond Priestley Building | Download |
| 21 November, 2018 | 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm | Level 7 Meeting Room, Raymond Priestley Building | Download |
2017
| Date | Time | Location | Meeting Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23 August, 2017 | 3.30 pm to 5:00 pm | Level 7 Meeting Room, Raymond Priestley Building | Download |
| 13 September, 2017 | 2:00 pm to 4:00pm | Level 3 Meeting Room, Raymond Priestley Building | Download |
| 11 October, 2017 | 3.30 pm to 5:00 pm | Level 7 Meeting Room, Raymond Priestley Building | Download |
| 8 November, 2017 | 3.30 pm to 5:00 pm | Level 7 Meeting Room, Raymond Priestley Building | Download |
| 13 December, 2017 | 3.30 pm to 5:00 pm | Level 7 Meeting Room, Raymond Priestley Building | Download |