From Problem to Impact

• In 2021, 65 of 273 staff survey respondents (24%) indicated they had experienced sexual harassment behaviours, yet only three formal complaints were lodged in the reporting period, all by women.
• The top three reasons for not making a formal complaint were thinking the behaviour was not serious enough, fearing negative consequences for their reputation and concerns regarding negative career consequences.
• In the 2021 survey, 26.3% of respondents disagreed or strongly disagreed that they felt safe to call out inappropriate behaviour, and 26.3% disagreed or strongly disagreed that La Trobe takes steps to eliminate bullying, harassment and discrimination.

What actions did La Trobe deliver?

• La Trobe built dedicated staff reporting and support services: Staff Wellbeing Connect in 2022, a confidential, trauma-informed service that operates independently, and a Safer Community staff intake.
• In 2024, La Trobe updated its Workplace Behaviours and Sexual Harm Prevention and Response policies to establish consistent reporting and response pathways, adopt a victim/survivor-centred approach, streamline reporting, and build gender-based violence risk into its health, safety and psychosocial frameworks.
• Training and awareness including a mandatory online module on gender-based violence, responding to disclosures and bystander intervention, and the annual Safe and Respected at La Trobe campaign.