The University of Melbourne will this week mark Respect Week, an annual initiative held across Victorian universities that focuses on fostering safe, inclusive and respectful communities.
The week emphasises the role that everyone must play in preventing and responding to gender-based violence, including sexual misconduct, in the University community.
A range of in-person and virtual activities will take across the week for students and staff.
University of Melbourne Interim Provost said the University remained steadfast in its determination to prevent gender-based violence at the University and to respond with sensitivity and robust disciplinary processes when it does occur.
"Gender-based violence, in any form, is unacceptable and has no place in our University," Professor Gunn said.
"It is our shared responsibility to create a safe, inclusive and respectful culture."
Following the introduction of the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence in January 2026, the University has developed a Whole of Organisation Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response Plan.
The Plan was developed in consultation with students, staff, victim-survivors, specialist external experts and community partners. It will replace earlier Respect Action Plans
Professor Gunn noted that the new Plan would be made available once approved by the Higher Education Gender-Based Violence Regulator.
"We thank everyone for their contributions to the Plan to date, and in the years to come as we continue our efforts to prioritise safety and address gender-based violence within our University community," she said.
Professor Gunn encouraged any members of the University community wishing to access support or raise concerns to contact the Safer Community Program or to use the Speak Safely online portal.
More information about Respect Week can be found on the Respect Week website.
