Respect@Work Officers

Notre Dame has Respect@Work Officers on our Fremantle and Sydney campuses to support employees who have experienced or witnessed sexual or gender-based violence. These officers are part of the University’s commitment to prevention, response, and employee and student wellbeing.

Role of a Respect@Work Officer

They can help you understand your options and provide emotional support. If you need help or simply want to talk through a situation without taking further action.

• What does a Respect@Work Officer do?

  Their role is to support you, not to judge or to make assumptions about what has occurred. Our Respect@Work Officers have been specially trained and they will:

  • Listen to you with empathy and respect
  • Help you explore what has happened and how it is affecting you
  • Provide clear information about your options
  • Help you develop a support plan if needed
  • Help you to access University support services
    • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
    • Chaplaincy
    • External support services
  • Provide information about formal reporting options
  • Check in with you throughout the process

• How can a Respect@Work Officer support me?

  If you’ve experienced sexual or gender-based violence, it can be hard to make sense of what happened. Speaking with a Respect@Work Officer or trusted colleague can help. Officers provide specialist expertise and an objective perspective, as they are independent from those involved. They will listen with empathy, believe you and provide non-judgmental support.

  You may reach out for many reasons—something that happened on a night out, during travel, online, or even a family situation, past or present. If needed, a Respect@Work Officer can create a support plan and check in with you throughout the process.

• What does a Respect@Work Officer not do?

  Respect@Work Officers do not:

  • Conduct investigations
  • Determine outcomes
  • Act as an advocate for any party

  They are dedicated to promoting wellbeing by offering information and support, as well as assisting you in understanding available options and relevant procedures.

• What will happen if I contact a Respect@Work Officer?

  When you contact them, the Respect@Work Officer will offer to speak with you in a safe, private setting. During this conversation, they will:

  • Listen to your concerns with compassion and without judgment
  • Help you think through what you need right now
  • Provide information about support options, including the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Outline external supports such as police, health services or specialist organisations
  • Explain the University’s disclosure and reporting pathways
  • Help develop a support plan, if needed, to assist you in continuing your work

  Making a formal report

  If you decide to make a formal report, a Respect@Work Officer can explain what the process involves and what steps may follow—without influencing your decision.

  Speaking with an Officer does not require you to file a formal report. You remain in control and choose the action that is best for you.

• What are reasons why a person might worry about seeking help?

  There are many reasons why a person might worry about seeking help if something has happened. It is not unusual for people who have experienced sexual or gender-based violence to be concerned about what might happen if they reach out for support.

  Many people share concerns such as:

  • Feeling shame, guilt or confusion
  • Worrying they won’t be believed
  • Not being sure whether what happened “counts”
  • Believing they might be to blame
  • Fear of losing control over what happens next
  • Concern that others will find out
  • Worry that talking to someone will automatically trigger formal action
  • Uncertainty about how their information will be used

  Respect@Work Officers understand these concerns. Whatever you share, they will respond with empathy, respect and kindness. You remain in control of what you choose to discuss and what steps, if any, you may wish to take next.

• Is my conversation with the Respect@Work Officer confidential?

  Any confidential information you provide will be treated with respect and care by the Respect@Work Officer. They will not share your personal information without your consent, unless there is a legal requirement to do so or a serious and immediate safety concern. These circumstances are rare and will be explained to you.

  Officers must report the type and number of disclosures they receive, but no personal or identifying details about the person making the disclosure or the alleged offender are included. These reports help the University monitor overall trends in sexual and gender-based violence and improve prevention and response efforts.

  If you have any questions or concerns about confidentiality, discuss them openly with the Respect@Work Officer—they will explain exactly how your information will be managed.

Contact a Respect@Work Officer

Anyone can contact a Respect@Work Officer—there are no limits, sexual or gender-based. Whatever you disclose, they will treat you with understanding and kindness.

Fremantle

Sydney