Sexual Assault is any type of unwanted sexual act inflicted upon a person without their free and voluntary consent and may involve a broad range of behaviours from unwanted sexualised touching through to penetration. Sexual assault is characterised by behaviours that involve the use of force, threats, coercion or control towards a person, and makes that person feel uncomfortable, distressed, frightened or threatened, and/or is carried out in circumstances under which the person has not freely agreed or consented to, or is incapable of giving consent.
Sexual harassment is an unwelcome sexual advance or request for sexual favours or conduct of a sexual nature which makes a person feel offended, humiliated and/or intimidated. In the context of the University's policy and procedures, sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to:
Click here for a more detailed explanation of sexual harassment, as as defined under the University's Sexual Harassment Policy.
Consent is the free and voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity of any kind. In the context of the University's policy and procedures, consent is defined as the act of willingly agreeing to engage in sexual activity and requires that a person is able to freely choose between two options: yes, and no. This means that there must be an understandable exchange of affirmative words which indicates a willingness to participate in mutually agreed upon sexual activity. The age of consent to sexual activity in South Australia is 17 but this increases to the age of 18 if a person is in a position of authority over another person. The age of consent to sexual activity and the definition of consent may vary across Australian state and territory jurisdictions as well as internationally.
Consent will not be considered to have been given where a person:
Consent cannot be assumed where a person:
If you're still struggling with consent, we strongly encourage you to complete the 'Consent Matters' online training module.
The following short video may also help increase your understanding of consent:
1800 737 732
Student Counselling Service
Monday to Friday, 9.00am-5.00pm
Metropolitan campuses: 1300 301 703
Mt Gambier campus: (08) 8723 1999
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UniSA Out-of-Hours Crisis Line
1300 107 441 or text 0488 884 163
5:00pm to 9:00am weekdays
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Staff Counselling Service
1300 277 924
Yarrow Place
Rape & Sexual Assault Service
1800 817 421
SHINE SA
Sexual Health Education Agency
1300 794 584