Disclosure vs reporting

Understanding the difference between disclosing and reporting is essential, as it gives individuals agency and choice in determining their next steps.

Disclosure

A disclosure means sharing an experience of sexual or gender-based violence — such as sexual assault, sexual harassment, or family and domestic violence—with the University. This can be done through a Respect or Respect@Work Officer, or through someone you trust, to seek support.

You can disclose at any time and choose what details to share. You are not required to make a formal report. The purpose of a disclosure is to help you access support, talk about what happened and identify what you need. You remain in control of all next steps.

Formal report

A formal report starts a process that requires the University to take action and provide a formal response or resolution.

Formal reports are handled in accordance with principles of procedural fairness. This means the person named in the report will be informed of the allegation and given an opportunity to respond. The University’s role is to determine whether its conduct standards have been breached—not whether a criminal offence has occurred.

Throughout the process, the University takes reasonable steps to support the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone involved, ensuring responses are trauma-informed, respectful and fair

Anonymous disclosure or report

Some people may choose to notify the University anonymously. This option may be suitable if you do not wish to engage directly but want the University to be aware of an incident or behaviour. Anonymous disclosures help the University identify trends or safety concerns and may enable safety measures to be implemented.

However, while anonymous disclosures are taken seriously, the University’s ability to respond may be limited when the source of the information is unknown. Bearing this in mind, you might consider providing your contact details later if you feel comfortable.

Key terms and definitions

Discloser
A person who shares an experience of sexual or gender-based violence. A discloser may be a victim-survivor, bystander or a third party.

Person-centred and trauma-informed processes
Ensures that workplace systems, policies and practices meet the needs of individuals and affirm the safety and dignity of the people who encounter them and support healing. They should prevent further harm by building an understanding of trauma and how it affects people.

Respondent or Alleged Person of Concern
A person who is the subject of a disclosure or formal report of sexual or gender-based violence, whether or not the allegations have been substantiated or investigated.

Disclosure vs report comparison

	Disclosure	Report
What is it?	Sharing information about an experience to get support, talk through what happened and understand your options	Initiate a formal process that requires the University to take action and provide a formal response or resolution.
Who receives it?	Students: Respect Officer Employees: Respect@Work Officer	Students: University Disciplinary Committee (UDC) Employees: Investigations Officers within People and Culture
What happens next?	You can discuss your experience confidentially. No formal steps occur unless you choose to make a report.	A formal process begins. Respondents will be contacted about next steps, timelines, rights and opportunities to respond. The discloser will be provided with regular updates. All formal reports are to be finalised within 45days.
Do I need to give details?	No. You choose what to share.	Some information will be required so the University can assess and respond to the report. This will be done through trauma-informed principles.
Can I stay anonymous?	Yes. You can disclose anonymously. Support may still be provided.	You can make an anonymous report, but the University may be limited in the actions it can take.
Will this trigger an investigation?	No. A disclosure does not start an investigation or formal process.	All formal reports will lead to an investigation. The outcome of the investigation may depend on the circumstances and available information.
Will both parties be contacted?	No. Only the person making the disclosure is contacted.	Yes. If a formal allegation proceeds, the person named will be informed and given an opportunity to respond.
Confidentiality	Information is managed confidentially and with care, but may be shared with those responsible for managing the process, and will be done so with your safety, well-being and preferences in mind.
Support available	Full access to support services, regardless of whether you report.	Full access to support services throughout the process.
Can I change my mind?	Yes. You can choose whether or not to make a report now or later.	Yes, you can withdraw your report, but the University may still need to act if there is a serious safety concern.

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