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National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence
Our Commitment to Safety, Respect and Wellbeing
Living on College is an important part of the JCU experience, and we want every resident to feel safe, supported and respected. We work in partnership with JCU to acheive this and focus our efforts through the implementation of the JCU Respect Program which is built on principles of trauma-informed, victim-centred, culturally informed best practice. This means you receive the same high-quality support, reporting options and education no matter where you live or study.
Our proceses and procedures are underpinned by the Saints Catholic College Gender Based Violence Policy which sets out the platform for how we view, prevent and respond to Gender Based Violence and operate with Saints Catholic College Whole-of-Organisation Prevention and Response Plan which is supported and partnered with the JCU Action Plan 2026-2030.
Links:
If You Ever Need Support — You’re Not Alone
Any resident who has experienced, witnessed, or is worried about any form of gender-based violence can contact the JCU Respect Misconduct Officers.
They are trained, confidential points of contact who can:
- Listen and offer support
- Connect you to specialist services
- Explain your options
- Help you understand JCU’s reporting and complaint processes
- Provide Advice if you’re supporting a friend
You can reach them directly or make a report through the University’s secure online form (including anonymously).
Support links:
• Contact a JCU Respect Misconduct Officer
• Make a Report (secure form)
• JCU Safety and Wellbeing website
Prevention and Education: What You Can Expect
As part of living in college, residents take part in the JCU Respect online module and a program of Respectful Relationships workshops run by expert facilitators. These sessions are about building a respectful, inclusive college community and helping you understand:
- What respectful behaviour looks like
- How to respond if something doesn’t feel right
- How alcohol and power dynamics affect consent
- Ways to safely support a friend
- Where to get help
Our College coordinates workshop schedules and communications, while all educational content and facilitators are provided by JCU.
Pathways for Assistance
Whilst Residents have the option to request Saints Catholic College or James Cook Unversity to lead the response to any disclosure, Saints Catholic College uses the JCU Respect Pathways for managing all matters regarding disclosures relating to Gender-based Violence.
This approach avoids confusion and ensures every student gets the same standard of care, provides one set of policies and procedures, and a consistent trauma-informed response for every resident.
Our Team and Our Responsibilities
All College staff and Residential Assistants play an important role in creating a safe living environment. As part of our commitment:
- Staff and RAs complete JCU Respect training
- Staff and RAs are required to make declarations about any past findings of gender-based violence, as required under the National Code
- Any concerns or disclosures are referred directly the JCU Respect Misconduct Officers and if Saints Catholic College is elected to lead the reponse to any disclosure, to the Saints Catholic College Pastoral Care Manager.
- Staff must declare any intimate personal relationships with residents to ensure appropriate safeguarding arrangements are in place
Risk assessments and management plans are undertaken with the support of JCU’s Chief of Staff, who on behalf of JCU ensures these processes are mainatined across all residential providers.
Together, We Can Build a Safer Community
Our approach is simple: we look after one another, we treat each other with respect, and we take action when someone needs support.
If you ever have questions, feel unsure about something, or want advice, please reach out. We are here to help at every step.
Useful links:
• Saints Catholic College Whole-of-Organisation Prevention and Response Plan
• JCU Respect Action Plan 2026–2030
• JCU Safety and Wellbeing website
• Contact a JCU Respect Misconduct Officer
