I strongly believe that the time for universities to take a leadership role on combatting sexual violence is very overdue. We owe it to our students and our colleagues to ensure that this area of safety and well-being is taken as seriously as other areas.

With students demanding action over the last few years and the government enquiry led by Universities UK due to report in Autumn 2016, now is the time to embrace change and create a better academic environment. 

The times when sexual violence in our communities could be brushed under the carpet as ‘not our place to act’ have gone.

Responding to disclosure training is a key component of Australia’s reform agenda. We need to ensure that when a victim/survivor trusts someone enough to share their story that people have the knowledge, skills and confidence to offer the right support. 

If we listen, believe and support victims/survivors we can create a culture of trust and help to shape a more positive future for people affected by violence.

Over the last year the issue of sexual assault and sexual harassment on university campuses has become front of mind for senior managers. At Southern Cross University I have worked with students and staff to promote a whole of community response to this issue. There is more work to do, and so the opportunity to be involved with this project will allow me to share what I have learned and also to learn from others in helping to make our campuses a safe and respectful environment.

Developed by experienced practitioners, this is an excellent online module based course aimed specifically for a Higher Education setting. I would highly recommend this training alongside appropriate policy and face to face training, as a way to start the conversation to support and empower survivors of sexual violence.

The Epigeum team have been incredibly helpful in all aspects of implementing and developing the online training programme Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence at the University of Edinburgh. Michelle has been extremely supportive and responsive in helping me customise the training module to Edinburgh, and this has enabled University staff completing the training to feel that it is more relevant to their context. I would recommend the training to other higher education institutions, and the feedback that I have received from staff here at the University of Edinburgh is that it has helped them feel more confident in speaking with and supporting survivors of sexual violence.