REPORTING AND DISCLOSURE

REPORTING AN INCIDENT

YOU CAN DISCLOSE OR REPORT AN INCIDENT AT GRIFFITH COLLEGE AT ANY TIME. IT’S ON YOUR TERMS.

If you have experienced gender based violence, sexual assault, sexual or other harassment, bullying or discrimination it is not your fault and you are not alone. We understand that disclosing or reporting any type of sexual assault and harassment can be difficult and traumatic. We are here to help, as soon as you are ready.

You may choose to report a concern anonymously. Concerns reported anonymously are taken seriously.

If students or staff are in immediate danger or require urgent medical attention, the first step is to call emergency services on 000 (112 from mobile phones). Currently enrolled students and staff of the College may choose to make a report.

If you are under 18, you are a child under Queensland law. Griffith College will provide age-appropriate support and follow its Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy and Procedure.

UNDERSTAND YOUR CHOICES

A disclosure is when you tell Griffith College about something that has happened so we can offer support and consider safety measures. You can provide as much or as little information as you feel comfortable sharing. A disclosure does not automatically become a complaint, formal report or investigation.

A formal report is a request for Griffith College to consider a formal response. This may include an investigation or disciplinary process. You can ask questions and receive support before deciding whether to make a formal report.

NO WRONG DOOR

You can speak with any trusted Griffith College staff member. You do not need to know which policy or process applies before asking for help. Staff will listen, arrange appropriate support and connect you with the right person.

You can receive support and safety assistance without making a formal report or reporting to Police, except where the College must act because of a serious or immediate safety risk or a legal obligation.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

After you disclose or report, an appropriately trained staff member will contact you to discuss immediate safety, support needs and your options. You will be given information about available supports and, where appropriate, interim safety measures.

If you make a formal report, the College will explain the process, expected steps, procedural fairness arrangements and how you will be kept informed. A Police report is not required before the College can provide support or consider safety measures.

PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY

We will respect your privacy and manage information on a need-to-know basis. We will explain how your information may be used and who may need to receive it.

There may be limited circumstances where information must be shared, including to address a serious or immediate risk, meet child-safety or other legal obligations, or enable a fair process. Where possible and safe, we will discuss this with you before information is shared.

SUPPORT AND SAFETY MEASURES

Support is available whether or not you make a formal report. Depending on your needs and circumstances, options may include counselling, safety planning, adjustments to study or assessment, timetable or class changes, no-contact arrangements, campus security assistance, and referral to specialist services.

The College will discuss available options with you. Measures will be tailored to the circumstances and reviewed as needs or risks change.

EXTERNAL REPORTING AND SPECIALIST SUPPORT

You may seek external support or make an external report at any time. In an emergency, call 000. Options may include Queensland Police, 1800RESPECT, specialist sexual assault or domestic and family violence services, the eSafety Commissioner for online abuse, and external complaints bodies.

Using an external service does not prevent Griffith College from providing support or considering internal safety measures.

IF YOU ARE UNDER 18

If you are under 18, you are a child under Queensland law. Griffith College will provide age-appropriate support and follow its Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy and Procedure. Staff may need to share information or make an external notification where child-safety or mandatory reporting obligations apply. You will be told what is happening and supported through the process, wherever possible and safe.

RELEVANT POLICIES

• Student Support Policy
• Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy 
• Gender Based Violence Prevention and Response Policy