Respect. Now. Always.

We promote an environment of respect for all, regardless of sex, gender, orientation, race or religion.

Gender equality & respect

Access important resources for gender-based discrimination

Research at both the national and international level reveals that gender inequality is an underlying cause of violence. Gender-based violence is defined as violence directed at an individual based on biological sex, gender identity or socially defined norms of masculinity and femininity. Gender-based violence disproportionately affects women, as well as those who identify as LGBTIQA+, women of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait background or those with a disability.

Treating both genders equally is the core solution, and respect is a fundamental aspect of gender equality. As a society, we have allowed for disrespect towards women and gender diverse peoples, and to their rights to independence and equal status, but the shift toward positive change is occurring, and you can be a part of the solution.

Use the dropdown menu below for support resources.

Internal Support

Safer Community: If you have any concerns about unacceptable or concerning behaviour, our Safer Community service can help with advice, support and referrals.
Counselling support: Access counselling support on a range of issues that may be affecting a person’s wellbeing and behaviour.
Men’s Wellbeing Support: A dedicated Men’s Wellbeing Co-ordinator to support men’s wellbeing needs.
La Trobe Out of Hours Support Line: For mental health and wellbeing concerns from 5.00 pm–9.00 am weeknights and weekends and public holidays.

Safer Community Factsheets

Sexual Harm
Inclusive Language Guide (LGBTIQA+)

External Support

1800 Respect: If you are worried or unsure about the signs of unhealthy, abusive or violent behaviour in any of your relationships, contact 1800 Respect on: 1800 737 732.
Victoria Police: You can report or seek advice for non urgent events by phone or via online report. In an Emergency, contact 000.
Our Watch: A national leader in the primary prevention of violence against women and children, with facts and resources to support gender equality.
Vic Health: Findings from the Australia’s 2013 National Community Attitudes towards Violence Against Women Survey (NCAS).
The Man Box: A study on being a young man in Australia. This is the first comprehensive study focusing on the attitudes to manhood and the behaviours of young Australian men aged 18 to 30.

Respect for other cultures

Tips to increase cultural awareness

There are students from about 104 different cultures on campus at La Trobe University, giving you a great opportunity to learn from and appreciate other cultures and beliefs.

Cultural differences are inevitable, but showing respect and understanding to people of all cultures is an important part of being an open-minded and global citizen.

Use the dropdown menu below to increase your own sense of cultural awareness.

Be self aware

Begin with an awareness that your culture is no more valuable or correct than anyone else’s. Spend some time reflecting on your own beliefs and biases, which can help you appreciate other cultural differences.

Educate yourself

Expand your knowledge and raise cultural awareness by:

reading about other cultures
watching movies
listening to the radio or podcasts.

For example, making eye contact with someone may represent respect in one culture and disrespect in another. Travelling to other countries is another fantastic cultural experience. Learn more about other religions, e.g. visit a mosque or a synagogue.

Engage

While you may tend to gravitate to people who share your culture, you should take advantage of the opportunity while at university to mix with people of different cultures and to learn about their customs and beliefs. Make an effort to have conversations with people from other cultures. Listen to their stories and experiences, without being critical or judgmental. Ask questions and take a genuine interest in what it means to be from another culture. This will not only help you to broaden your worldview, but also help you to show respect for cultural differences when they arise.

Don’t stereotype

It is important to realise that not everyone from a particular culture or religion is the same. There are many different customs within cultures and religion can be practiced differently between countries/regions. Regardless of background, race, religion, sexual orientation or any other factor, every individual thinks differently. Treat everyone you meet as an individual; don’t prejudge or make assumptions and show them the same respect you would show to anyone else.

Appreciate the differences

There is so much to gain from celebrating our differences. The world would be so mundane if we were all the same and we are lucky enough to benefit from a wide variety of different cultures. Think about all the fantastic food, movies, music, festivals, and cultural events that come from cultures different from your own.

Racism and bystander action

Take a stand and counter everyday racism

Unfortunately, racism still exists in Australia. It affects those who have been targeted and can cause long term harm to mental health. To counter everyday racism, prepare yourself so you know what to do and how to act when you hear a racist joke/comment or come across a racist incident. It will depend on the circumstances on what is safe to do, but there are ways you can act. Here are some examples:

confront what has been said by asking an open question such as “why do you think that?”, or “why do you think that’s funny?”.

appeal to their better nature and express upset, e.g. “it makes me uncomfortable to hear that, what did you really mean?”
interrupt or distract the perpetrator
comfort the person(s) targeted and let them know you support them during or after the incident
report the incident.

Some examples of everyday racism and how to intervene:

Use the dropdown menu below for other support resources.

Internal Support

Safer Community: If you have any concerns about unacceptable behaviours including racism or any form of discrimination, you can seek advice and support from our Safer Community service.
Counselling Support: Access counselling support on a range of issues that may be affecting a person’s wellbeing.

External support

Australian Human Rights Commission: You can lodge a complaint about racial discrimination with the Australian Human Rights Commission.
Racism, it stops with me: Information about racism, how to recognise it in ourselves and others by the Australian Human Rights Commission.
Victorian Health: Resource on bystander action to prevent race-based discrimination.
All Together Now: Get a broader understanding of racism in Australia including statistics and how to promote racial equality.
Western Sydney University: Find out more about their Challenge Racism Research Project.