{"id":14440,"date":"2023-02-05T22:23:58","date_gmt":"2023-02-05T11:23:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/unswoc.org\/wordpress\/?page_id=14440"},"modified":"2026-07-18T08:59:04","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T22:59:04","slug":"handling-sexual-misconduct","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/unswoc.org\/wordpress\/exec\/handling-sexual-misconduct\/","title":{"rendered":"Handling Sexual Misconduct"},"content":{"rendered":"

UNSWOC Sexual Misconduct Plan<\/span><\/h1>\n

This document applies to allegations of sexual misconduct within the Club, but many of the guidelines are applicable to any form of misconduct (e.g. bullying, harassment, rope safety behaviour) between members of the Club.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Future Exec members should note that UNSW's Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Policy is, at the time of writing, scheduled for review in July 2024. It is important that UNSWOC's Plans & Policies are reviewed in line with University policy.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

<\/b>1. OVERVIEW<\/b><\/p>\n

This guide includes:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Important resources and priorities for being a first responder.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Options for supporting the parties involved and the Exec.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Options, obligations and recommendations for reporting.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. The Club\u2019s constitutional options to take action if members of the Club do not feel safe.<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Key points to keep in mind throughout the process.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    It is important to remember that these situations are stressful for everyone involved. Be kind to yourself and each other.<\/span><\/p>\n

    <\/b>2. PLAN<\/b><\/p>\n

    Firstly, it\u2019s important to note that the Club does not need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to sensitively handling allegations of sexual misconduct, as Arc and UNSW both have well thought-out policies and specially trained staff for these situations. If the Exec has any uncertainties relating to this policy or situations it may apply to, we recommend reaching out to <\/span>The Head of Arc Sport<\/span><\/a> for advice.<\/span><\/p>\n

    When anyone on Exec first becomes aware of an alleged incident of sexual misconduct, they should follow <\/span>ARC\u2019s Sexual Assault & Harassment Action Plan<\/span><\/a>, which details step-by-step how to act as a first responder. Of particular importance is that often in cases of sexual misconduct, the complainant \u2019s sense of personal control has been taken away from them. Therefore, throughout the rest of this process, all decisions should be driven by the complainant\u2019s wishes, and their sense of personal control should always be supported and encouraged. The complainant is not obliged to report an allegation to UNSWOC Executive members before reporting to Arc or UNSW. If the complainant chooses to report to Exec, they may report to any member of Exec with whom they feel comfortable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    As part of Step 4 within the Action Plan, the Exec member(s) should encourage the complainant to consider referring the matter to Police and\/or Arc\/UNSW, as well as other support services listed in Arc\u2019s Action Plan. It should be noted that there is no time limit upon the complainant's ability to report sexual misconduct to UNSW\/Arc. Sexual misconduct can be reported no matter how much time has passed since the alleged incident. Even if the alleged incident did not occur at a Club event, the scope of Arc and UNSW\u2019s reporting systems are broad, and there is always value in making a report even if it is unclear whether the incident falls within the jurisdiction of Arc or UNSW. Where sexual misconduct is disclosed or reported as occurring outside of UNSW\/Arc\u2019s jurisdiction, the matter will not be investigated by UNSW as a potential student or staff misconduct issue but support services and referrals will be offered as appropriate.<\/span><\/p>\n

    If the complainant wishes the Club to take action against the accused, it is strongly preferred that the matter is referred up to Arc or UNSW, as they have more training and experience in managing these situations well. If the allegation is managed completely within the Club, there is the risk of perceived conflicts of interest, bias, or an Exec member\/team taking on stress or making decisions without appropriate training.<\/span><\/p>\n

    <\/b>3. WHEN TO REPORT<\/b><\/p>\n

    As part of Step 5 within the Action Plan, the <\/span>Exec must submit a written incident report to Arc Clubs if the incident occurred at a Club event, on UNSW accommodation or facilities, via UNSW ICT resources or by a UNSW staff member <\/b>\u00a0<\/span>using the Arc Club Incident Report Form<\/span><\/a> [1]. The identity of the complainant and other details about the incident may be kept confidential when reporting to Arc, but the complainant <\/span>must be made aware <\/b>that the Exec has an obligation to report.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Once a report is submitted to Arc or UNSW, the Club should follow any and all advice from Arc\/UNSW from this point onwards regarding any action to take.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Exec members are not <\/span>obligated <\/span><\/i>to report an incident of misconduct in situations which fall outside of the scope of UNSW\u2019s Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Policy. Situations considered to be \u2018outside of\u2019 the aforementioned policy include incidents of sexual misconduct which occur:<\/span><\/p>\n