Respect Officers

Notre Dame has Respect Officers on campus to support students who have experienced or witnessed sexual or gender-based violence. These officers are part of the University’s commitment to prevention, response and student wellbeing.

If you prefer not to speak with a University Respect Officer at this time, there are external support services available that offer confidential support.

Role of a Respect Officer

Respect Officers 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 Officer do?

  Our Respect Officers have been specially trained and they will:

  • Respond with compassion and understanding
  • Coordinate practical academic support for you as needed, to help you continue with your studies
  • Help you to access University support services
    • Student Counselling
    • Chaplaincy
    • External support services
  • Provide information about formal reporting options

• How can a Respect 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 Officer can help. They offer specialist expertise and an objective perspective, as they are independent from those involved. A Respect Officer 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 Officer can create a support plan and check in with you throughout the process.

• What does a Respect Officer not do?

  Respect Officers do not:

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

  Their role focuses on wellbeing, information, and support, including helping you understand the options available and the processes you can follow.

• What will happen if I contact a Respect Officer?

  If you contact a Respect Officer to discuss sexual or gender-based violence, the Respect Officer will offer to meet with you and will treat you with compassion, empathy, understanding and respect.

  The Respect Officer will:

  • Listen to your concerns with compassion and without judgment
  • Help you think through what you need right now
  • Provide information about support options within the University
    • Student Counselling
    • Chaplaincy
  • 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 studies

  Making a formal report

  If you wish to make a formal report, Respect Officers can explain what the formal process entails and what steps may follow, without influencing your decision.

  You are not required to make a formal report if you speak with a Respect Officer; you are in control of the process and determining the best action 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.

  Common reasons include:

  • Shame
  • Confusion, guilt, or shock about what has happened
  • Fear they will not be believed
  • Not recognising what they have experienced as sexual assault, sexual harassment, family and domestic violence or other forms of gender-based violence
  • Belief that they are to blame for what has occurred

  Sometimes, a person might be worried about losing control of a situation if they tell someone what has happened. They might be worried that everyone will find out, or that discussing the matter will lead to formal action (whether they want it or not). Sometimes, a person may be concerned about what will happen to any confidential information they provide.

  International or incoming Study Abroad students sometimes worry that if they make a disclosure or a formal report that they have experienced sexual or gender-based violence, this will impact their student visa. This is not the case. These services are available to all students in our university community.

  University Respect Officers understand that you may have some of these concerns if something has happened to you and will respond with empathy, respect, and kindness. Respect Officers are here to listen and support you to navigate these concerns.

• Is my conversation with the Respect Officer confidential?

  Any confidential information you provide will be treated with respect and care by the Respect 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.

  Respect 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 Officer—they will explain exactly how your information will be managed.

Contact a Respect Officer

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