Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Discrimination
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Discrimination
APIC has zero tolerance for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and discrimination.
We maintain the right of every student and staff member to feel safe and respected at all times on APIC campuses.
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GBV is defined by the United Nations as any act that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.
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Gender-based violence also includes harmful acts directed towards someone because of their gender, such a person from the LGBTIQ+ community.
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Gender-based violence is not just physical, it includes behaviours that are controlling or cause psychological, emotional and financial harm.
For further information refer to the information available via APIC's SASH and GBV webpage, APIC's Equity and Diversity and the SASH Policies.
Immediate Danger
If you are in immediate danger call 000
Confidential Internal Support
If you have been affected, it's important to seek support for your wellbeing. The wellbeing of our students is APIC's highest priority, contact a trained first responder who can provide support and guidance. ​​​​​
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APIC respects the choice of affected students to decide to report an incident. By contacting a first responder students are not reporting an incident to APIC and any information shared will be kept confidential. First responders will explain reporting options to help those affected decide whether they want to report and how to report. The primary focus of a first responder is the safety and welfare of the victim. First responders will make referrals as appropriate and ensure the required supports are put in place.
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For Confidential Support and Advice Contact:
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BRISBANE CAMPUS
Darsha Pathirage | Tel: (07) 3210 7407 | Email: darsha.pathirage@eca.edu.au
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MELBOURNE CAMPUS
Samantha Hollow | Tel: 03 7035 5353 | Email: samantha.hollow@eca.edu.au
Michelle Gillick | Tel: 03 7035 5327 | Email: michelle.gillick@eca.edu.au
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SYDNEY CAMPUS
Pia Pohankar | Tel: (02) 8766 3645 | Email: pia.pohankar@eca.edu.au​
Free 24/7 External Confidential Specialist Support Services
The following services are external and provide specialist sexual and domestic/family and gender-based violence support. They are free, confidential and have a help line that is available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Calling or contacting the following services does not mean you are reporting the incident. If you want to make an official report these services can provide advice about the process.
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​​​​Full Stop Australia
Tel: 1800 385 578
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1800Respect
Tel: 1800 737 732
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​​Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline
Tel: 1800 497 212
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Click on the below buttons to visit 1800Respect and Full Stop Australia's websites for more information about their services.
Counselling
Support
If you would like to speak to APIC's counselling service, Converge have counsellors and psychologists who are trained to support victims of sexual assault and sexual harassment, domestic/family and gender-based violence call 1300 687 399.
Calling or contacting the service does not mean you are reporting the incident. Converge International's counsellors offer support and help and will be able to provide you with the information you may require if you decide you do want to report the incident.
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Reporting GBV to APIC
The safety and well-being of students is of paramount importance to APIC. The priority of the College will be the safety and well-being of the person disclosing or formally reporting GBV.
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APIC will treat any disclosure or formal reporting of GBV with the utmost confidentiality as outlined in policy and procedure.
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Students can report instances of GBV via the online Critical Incident Report.
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For further information and/or assistance to lodge a Critical Incident report please contact one of APIC's first responders.