Gender-based violence is any form of violence, harassment, abuse or threats based on gender that results in harm, coercion, control, fear, or deprivation of liberty or autonomy. It's rooted in gender-based power inequalities, rigid gender norms and discrimination. It includes, but isn't limited to:
Societal and structural inequities also result in First Nations Peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, people with a disability and people of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity being disproportionally impacted.
You can expect support for your safety wherever you study, live and take part in university life – on campus, online, in student accommodation, on placement and when playing sport.
Research shows four drivers consistently lead to gender-based violence. Most of our prevention work targets them, because changing them stops violence before it starts, rather than only responding afterwards.
All four show up in ordinary situations – a group chat, a night out, a lecture theatre. Stepping in when you see them is one of the most effective things you can do.
For the research behind each driver, visit Our Watch.
If someone in our university community is involved, you can also report it to the Safer Community Unit. If the behaviour may be criminal, contact South Australia Police.
In two episodes of the ABC series You Can't Ask That, survivors share their story. Both are rated M and include first-hand accounts. Support is available if you need to talk to someone.
