Sexual harm support, advocacy, information and prevention education for students and staff of the University of Otago.

Age: All students and staff of the University of Otago.

Region: Dunedin and other Otago of University Campuses

Description:

We are a place of shelter to reduce the impact of sexual violence within the University of Otago campus communities. The centre is one unified space that provides sexual violence related support and education to all students and staff.

Services for Students:

• Support for survivors both current and historical
• A welcoming space and someone to listen
• Referrals for resources on campus (e.g. Student Health, Queer Support, Māori Centre, Disability Information & Support,OUSA Support)
• Referrals for resources off campus (ACC Sensitive Claims registration, Court Victim Advisor)
• Accompaniment to Proctor or Police (if desired)
• Discussion of options to help you stay at university
• Support and guidance if you are caring for a friend, family member or colleague

Click here to find out more.

Services for Staff:

• Help staff to support students who have disclosed issues of sexual harm
• Workshops on sexual harm (including Handling Disclosures of Sexual Assault for Staff Members)
• Support for survivors of sexual harm current or historic

Click here to find out more.

Prevention Education:

CommUNIty 102 is a workshop designed for first year Otago students in Colleges which looks at consent, potential pressures students might face and how they can respond to these. It is discussion based and puts the emphasis on how students can look out for each other and build an awesome community during their first year at uni.

Healthy Communities Programme  This programme will help students to understand thier power as part of the collective, to address and prevent sexual violence. This programme is unique in that it builds upon students' knowledge foundations of culture, identity and interpersonal relationships and expectations of intimate relationships, to address sexual violence. This considered approach ensures there is comfortability between the facilitators and participants, especially if their cultural or religious backgrounds prohibit discussions about these tapu (sacred/forbidden) topics. 

HYBRID - Helping You the Bystander to Respond Intervene and Disclose
This programme will provide students in leadership positions or those training in a professional programme with the skills to support peers, colleagues, clients and residents, who have disclosed an experience of sexual violence, reflect on boundaries of their roles and learn some strategies for intervening in challenging situations. Participants will come to understand that everyone has an important role to play in the intervention and prevention of sexual violence, and as leaders they have the unique opportunity to be pro-social role models. 

Click here to find out more.

How to Access:

To make an appointment, call (03) 479 3790 or 0800 479 379.
Text: 021 278 3795
Email:

Or come along during our walk-in hours, no appointment necesssary.