From 1 January this year, the National Code came into effect. It requires higher education providers to prevent and respond to gender-based violence, wherever it occurs, including on campus and online, in student accommodation, at university sporting and social events or during research or prac placements off campus.
The GBV Regulator is working with higher education providers and the National Student Ombudsman (NSO) towards a shared goal to end gender-based violence.
This week, departmental staff co-hosted a stall with the NSO at the James Cook University's Market Day in Townsville, speaking with students about the National Code, student safety and how to raise concerns or complaints.
Darcie from the Department of Education at James Cook University's Market Day, Townsville
Under the National Code, higher education providers must have a Gender-based Violence Plan in place to let students and staff know how they will prevent and respond to gender-based violence.
Students and staff who experience gender-based violence are encouraged to speak with their higher education provider. If they are dissatisfied with how a disclosure or request for support is handled, they can seek free and confidential advice from the National Student Ombudsman.
The GBV Regulator regulates higher education providers' compliance with the National Code, which mandates that higher education providers take evidence-based steps that are trauma-informed and person-centred, to prevent and respond to gender-based violence across their whole organisation, wherever the gender-based violence occurs.
Departmental staff and NSO staff will attend Orientation and RESPECT week events at universities through February and March to help students understand the National Code, their rights and where to go for help.
