By Dr Carmen Germain,
Clinical Psychologist, Student Care and Trauma Lead, Campus Wellbeing

* Content warning: this article makes reference to sexual violence

As a clinical psychologist at Campus Wellbeing, I have seen first-hand the devastating effects of sexual assault and harassment on students. Sexual assault and harassment can turn a person’s world upside down. It affects the way they think about themselves, others, and their view of how safe and secure the world is. They often feel an overwhelming and confusing mix of emotions: fear, shame, guilt, anger, helplessness. Sometimes people have trouble feeling anything at all; numb and disconnected from themselves and the world around them.

For many, it is difficult to accept how they responded during the incident, feeling guilty and ashamed about not resisting or getting away from the perpetrator. In fact, freezing is a very natural survival instinct that kicks in the face of a life-threatening situation. We don’t have control over this – it’s just the way our brain works to help us cope when we’re in danger. Freezing does not mean that the person wanted to stay in the situation.

After sexual assault or harassment, people can feel as if they are no longer the person they used to be, and wonder if they will ever be the same again. Life is disrupted. It’s hard or impossible to focus on study or employment. Time off work can cause significant financial stress. A person’s living situation may no longer be safe. Safety and trust, essential for intimacy in relationships, is shattered.

In my work, I confront the reality that many cases of sexual assault and harassment result from an abuse of privilege, power and control; whether it be in a family home, a student residence, a workplace. The most vulnerable in our university community are overrepresented: culturally and linguistically diverse students, First Nations Peoples, the LGTBI+ community, students with a mental illness, students with disabilities, students of low socioeconomic status, and, significantly, women.

We know people who have been sexually assaulted or harassed often do not report it or seek support, and there are many reasons for this. At Macquarie University, we have a lot to do to ensure that barriers to reporting and help-seeking are taken down. The Respect. Now. Always. project is working hard to do just that.

What can each of us do to create a culture of safety and respect at Macquarie University?

Be ready to respond
If someone discloses an experience of sexual assault or harassment, your response is crucial. Listen to them, believe them, let them know that you are sorry, and let them know you will help them in any way you can. Check on their immediate safety and if they need to access emergency services or support. Ask them if they want to make a report to police or a formal complaint to the University, and if they would like help to do this. Let them know about supports on Campus. You can find a list of these on the RNA website and iLearn site. If they are a student, walk them down to Campus Wellbeing where they will be provided with confidential support immediately. If you need support to assist a student, please contact Campus Wellbeing during business hours or 24/7, 1800CAREMQ (1800 2273 67). If they are staff, help them connect with 1800RESPECT or the Benestar EAP available to all MQU staff 24/7.

Don’t be a bystander to sexual assault or harassment
Commit to calling out instances of disrespectful, intimidating and threatening behaviours. Educate yourself and encourage others (including your children) to learn about respectful relationships, and sexual consent. Do what you can to identify and change practices and policies in your workplace, which may lead to the abuse of power and control.

Support the RNA Action Plan
Please take the time to learn about the Respect. Now. Always. Action Plan. Let’s all reflect on the individual efforts we can make to shape a strong, declarative culture of safety and respect for all staff and students, and zero-tolerance for sexual assault and harassment at Macquarie University.