Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a serious issue in higher education communities across Australia. Evidence gathered over recent years shows that these harms continue at significant rates.
The National Student Safety Survey (2021) revealed:
- 1 in 20 students had been sexually assaulted since starting university
- 1 in 6 students had experienced sexual harassment
- Of those who reported sexual assault to their provider, only 30% were satisfied with the process
- Women, people with disability, and those of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity were disproportionately affected
To address these challenges, the National Higher Education Code on Gender-Based Violence will come into effect in 2026. This Code sets out seven standards that higher education providers must meet.
Respect Matters has been developed to help institutions meet Standard 3, which focuses on training to prevent and respond to GBV and foster safer campus communities.
Developing Respect Matters
Development began with a review of our existing programme, Consent Matters, which has been widely adopted across Australia and valued for building students’ skills in consent, communication, and active bystander intervention.
The new programme is not just a compliance exercise. It is credible, trauma-informed, and co-created with experts and survivors, with peer feedback guiding each stage of development.
Key Benefits
- Supports adherence to the National Higher Education Code on Gender-Based Violence through prevention, trauma-informed response, and institutional accountability.
- Co-developed with experts and key change-makers, integrating feedback from institutions, specialists and students
- The programme’s scalability and flexibility provide a high-impact, budget-friendly alternative that meets compliance requirements while reducing costs associated with internal development and external consultants.
- Accessible anytime, anywhere, equipping students, staff and student leaders with timely information and skills.
- The programme offers blended learning materials, so institutions can complement online modules with in-person workshops or training sessions, creating a dynamic learning experience.
- Interactive and practical, the programme features scenarios, quizzes, and real-life case studies to make learning engaging and memorable
- Institutions can track completion and use certificates as evidence of development, with reporting aiding in evaluating programme effectiveness.
Explore Respect Matters and see how it can help your institution create a safer, more inclusive community. Request a free trial today.
