BULLYING, SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION
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B U L LY I N G , S E X U A L H A R A S S M E N T
A N D D I S C R I M I N AT I O N
2021
A reference guide for Australian National University medical
students on the definitions, policies and avenues for
reporting bullying, sexual harassment and discrimination.
Medical School
ANU College of
Health & Medicine
Bullying, sexual
Our staff and students have the right to
be part of a safe and respectful university.
harassment and
Sexual assault, sexual harassment, bullying
and discrimination have no place here.
As your Vice-Chancellor, I am affirming
discrimination that the University will not shy away
from talking and acting on these issues.
have no place at I want to congratulate the ANU Medical
School leadership, staff and students
the ANU Medical for developing this reference guide as a
practical way of dealing with these issues.
School Professor Brian Schmidt AC
Vice-Chancellor
Bullying, harassment and discrimination
are reported nowadays more frequently
to occur in workplaces, as well as
in universities. It takes knowledge to
differentiate between unpleasant behaviour
and that of bullying, harassment and
discrimination. It takes courage to
speak up against and/or report such
behaviour. As a Medical School we have a
responsibility to the profession, colleagues,
students and the public to maintain high
standards of behaviour. We take any
reports of witnessed or experienced
bullying, harassment and discrimination
seriously and will address them. Through
the courage of students, we have been
able to identify and manage unprofessional
behaviours and are continuing to work
towards safe and respectful teaching
environment for all. We want you to
continue to work with us and have the
courage to inform us of any experienced
or witnessed unwanted behaviours. It is
our responsibility to ensure a safe teaching
environment for you and can do so with
your help.
Professor Zsuzsoka Kecskes
Director, ANU Medical School
Bullying, Sexual Harassment and Discrimination 1
The Australian National University is Bullying can cover a range of behaviours,
committed to ensuring that staff and both subtle and overt. It is considered to
students are treated with integrity be any behaviour that is unreasonable
and respect. All members of the ANU and undesirable.
community have the right to work and
Bullying generally meets the
study in an environment free from
following criteria:
discrimination, sexual harassment and
bullying. These behaviours are not > It is repeated.
tolerated under any circumstances, and
> It is unwelcome and unsolicited.
ANU will take action against any staff
member or student who is found to have > A reasonable person would
breached ANU policy. Medical students consider the behaviour to be
are encouraged to raise any concerns offensive, intimidating, humiliating
regarding bullying, sexual harassment or threatening.
and discrimination with the expectation > It has the potential to cause
that problems will be addressed in a harm to the person experiencing
timely and fair manner. the behaviour.
Examples of bullying include:
What is bullying, > Putting someone down and
sexual harassment humiliating a person through verbal
and discrimination? abuse, gestures, sarcasm, teasing
and insults, often in front of others.
What is bullying? > Unjustified criticism or complaints.
> Deliberately excluding someone
from workplace activities or denying
them access to information or
other resources.
It is important to acknowledge that an
isolated instance of bullying behaviour
may appear subtle or inconsequential
but, when it forms part of a larger,
unwelcome pattern, it is bullying
nonetheless.
2 ANU College of Health & Medicine
What is not bullying? feeling humiliated, intimidated or
offended. It can involve physical contact
It is also important to differentiate or verbal remarks of a sexual nature.
between bullying and a person’s
legitimate work authority. All supervisors Examples of sexual harassment include
and academics can provide legitimate > Staring, leering or
comment, criticism, advice and feedback unwelcome touching
on student performance or behaviour.
Throughout the course of your medical > Suggestive comments or jokes
career there will be differences of opinion
> Inappropriate or unwanted invitations
between supervisors and students,
to go out on dates or requests for sex
however criticism and feedback should
always be delivered in a respectful > Intrusive questions or comments
manner that does not humiliate or about a person’s private life, clothing
intimidate the recipient. If you are ever or body
unsure if a behaviour is or is not bullying,
> Unnecessary familiarity, such as
it is a good idea to discuss the behaviour
deliberately brushing up against
with a trusted colleague, the ANU
a person
Medical Students’ Society Equity Officer,
or a trusted supervisor.
What is discrimination?
What is sexual harassment?
Discrimination is different to bullying
but can intersect with it. Discrimination
Sexual harassment is any unwanted, occurs when a person or group of people
unwelcome or uninvited behaviour of are treated less favourably than another
a sexual nature that results in a person person or group on the basis of race,
gender, sexuality, gender identity, intersex
Bullying, Sexual Harassment and Discrimination 3
status, ethnic or religious background, take, both to seek personal resolution
disability, disease, age or other and change the culture around
characteristic endemic to that individual these behaviours.
or their relationship to someone with
these characteristics. The key feature that
Support networks
distinguishes discrimination from bullying
is that discrimination may occur as a
single event.
Examples of discrimination include
disadvantaging someone based on the
above by:
> Being dismissive,
denying opportunities
> Excluding or isolating someone
> Withholding information or
> Subjecting someone to taunts First and foremost, it is essential to seek
or abuse that reference the support. Find someone whom you feel
protected attribute safe talking to – this might be friends,
family, members of the ANU Medical
Students’ Society, or any of the contacts
listed on page 14.
What can I do about it? Our priority is to nurture a safe
The ANU Medical Students’ Society environment that encourages
and the ANU Medical School are conversations around this subject matter.
striving to create a community that is We want you to feel safe and comfortable
free from bullying, sexual harassment expressing your concerns no matter
and discrimination. Experiencing or how big or small you perceive them to
witnessing these behaviours can be be. What may seem to be a rather trivial
overwhelming, disempowering and gesture or comment may turn out to
stressful and we want you to know that be an early warning sign of harassing
we are here to offer support in any way behaviour if a certain pattern is identified
that we can. through informal conversations. Contrary
to that, what may be perceived as a
If you do witness or experience bullying,
rather offensive comment or gesture in
sexual harassment or discrimination,
our social culture may be perceived as
there are several actions you can
4 ANU College of Health & Medicine
totally benign in other social cultures and of their actions and, once identified,
although is not acceptable or justifiable they may modify their behaviour
behaviour, it may simply mean that the leading to greatly improved working
individual needs further education to get relationships for both parties.
accustomed to the rules and regulations
If the matter cannot be resolved by
of the social culture they are now a
these steps, or you feel unsafe talking
part of.
to the other person, talk to your year
coordinator, tutor, clinical or academic
Informal resolution supervisor. Even informal reports will be
acted upon.
Someone from the Medical School
will have an informal talk to the other
person involved to inform them of
concerns about their behaviour. This
often leads to change. We will maintain
your confidentiality and not reveal your
name, unless you agree to this. You may
not hear specifics about the nature or
outcome of this discussion but will be
informed when we address the issue.
If you feel comfortable trying to address If none of these options seem suitable
the matter yourself, options for informal you can contact an independent person
resolution include: such as the ANU Dean of Students, who
can provide confidential advice external
> Seeking the advice of a trusted
to the Medical School.
person to decide on appropriate
responses and strategies to address
the behaviour if it occurs again. Formal complaint
This may include people such as
the ANU Medical Students’ Society
Equity Officer or an academic
faculty member, including your
year coordinator and the wellbeing
academic lead.
> Speaking directly to the person
concerned. In many instances, the
perpetrator does not realise the effect
Bullying, Sexual Harassment and Discrimination 5
If informal processes have failed to interviews will be discussed with the
resolve or adequately address the issue, Dean of the ANU College of Health
or you feel these processes are not & Medicine and the Director of the
applicable or safe, a formal complaint can ANU Medical School
be raised in line with ANU procedures.
–A
NU has a code of conduct and
The steps involved in making a formal
very clear policies on behaviour. If
complaint are as follows:
the alleged behaviour is misconduct,
> Contact the ANU Medical Students’ the concern will be escalated to the
Society Equity Officer, a member appropriate unit. There are rigorous
of the academic faculty listed in policies and procedures in place
contacts on page 14, the Director that outline how the University
of the Medical School or the ANU implements strategies to eliminate
Dean of Students for advice. These discrimination, bullying and
contacts can assist you by providing harassment (refer to the Reference
or helping you access additional List in this booklet).
support and initiating the formal
–T
he University will respond promptly
compaints process.
to reports and take timely action
> After the lodgement of a formal within its authority to ensure
complaint the following will occur: peoples’ safety. Investigations and
the application of outcomes will
– You will be contacted and offered
operate in accordance with the
support and a face-to-face
Discipline Rule 2018
meeting with an independent
and experienced faculty member – We will try to protect your
will be arranged. The immediate confidentiality as much as possible,
priority is your safety, and we however a person accused of
recognise that you may be worried unwanted behaviour also deserves
about confidentiality and future procedural fairness. The allegation
repercussions. We want to reassure will be communicated to them; they
you that it is safe for you to raise will be offered the opportunity to
your concerns and that meetings respond and they may find out your
will be strictly confidential name(s)
– In general, an independent – If substantiated, appropriate
investigator from within the ANU action will be taken to address
will be assigned to investigate your the behaviour in partnership with
complaint. This person will conduct your preferences and wishes.
interviews and the findings of these The ANU Medical School takes
6 ANU College of Health & Medicine
bullying, sexual harassment and Further avenues for help
discrimination very seriously, and,
depending on the nature of the
incident, consequences may include
training, counselling, suspension
of teaching and learning activities,
removal of academic title and/
or termination of employment
or enrolment.
– You will not find out what actions
have been taken, as we also need
to maintain the confidentiality of the
accused person. You will, however,
know that an investigation has After the completion of the formal
taken place and that actions, if complaint process, if you do not believe
appropriate, have been taken the situation has been adequately or
appropriately resolved, there are further
– Either party can appeal the findings
avenues that can be utilised:
if they decide this is warranted
> The matter can be referred in writing
– If any aspect of the complaint
to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor
possibly constitutes a criminal act
(Academic); however, advice from the
the investigator can, in consultation
Dean of Students should be sought
with you, refer the matter to the
before this occurs.
relevant agency (usually the
Australian Federal Police) and > If the matter relates to bullying,
the investigator will provide you harassment or discrimination based
further information on that process on sexuality, gender identity, intersex
as required status, disability, race or age, a
complaint can be made directly
– If allegations are about sexual
to the Australian Human Rights
violence or sexual harassment, the
Commission.Ph: 1300 656 419, web:
Respectful Relationships Unit can
www.humanrights.gov.au/complaint-
provide support to you and assist
information
with any investigation.
> The ACT Ombudsman is able
to investigate complaints of
unreasonable administrative actions
Bullying, Sexual Harassment and Discrimination 7taken by ANU towards students. Anonymous reporting
Complaints can be made online:
https://www.ombudsman.act.gov.au
> Contact the claims department of
your medical defence insurer for
impartial and independent advice (this
can be done at any stage).
> If you are involved in making a formal
complaint, you are asked to:
– Follow the complaint and resolution
process outlined in this document
as far as practical, noting that every The ANU Medical School has a duty of
situation will be different. care to ensure the welfare of students.
Anonymous reporting prevents continued
– Actively participate in attempts to support and follow-up and impedes
resolve your grievance. natural justice for the victim and the
– Refrain from victimising or harassing alleged perpetrator. If you feel, however,
the alleged perpetrator or others that none of the options described
involved in resolving the grievance. above will work, please still seek support
and consider contacting the ANU
– Recognise that the principles Medical Students’ Society Equity Officer
of procedural fairness must be anonymously, confidentially or through a
followed for all parties third person at
studentequity.medicalschool@anu.edu.au
Our primary concern is your welfare,
and we want to make sure you get the
support that you need.
8 ANU College of Medicine, Biology & EnvironmentI suspect no action will be taken …
ANU and the ACT Government,
including ACT Health and all health
services, have a zero tolerance policy
Reasons you might for bullying, sexual harassment and
not report bullying, discrimination in the workplace. All
sexual harassment and complaints must be investigated
discrimination, and the and, if substantiated, there will be
consequences for perpetrators. The
reasons why you should approach and actions taken by the
ANU Medical School in cases of
varying complexity over the recent
years are a clear demonstration of its
It could affect my career … advocacy in the best interest of its
students and staff.
This is a common fear for both
victims and their trusted friends
or family, and can discourage
reporting, but is rarely true. Bullying
behaviour is often associated with
an overinflated belief of the bully’s I don’t want to upset relationships
own self-importance. within the workplace …
ANU will make every effort to ensure Although you may feel isolated, if you
that making a complaint does not are being bullied, sexually harassed
adversely affect your career. or experiencing discrimination
you are probably not alone. In all
likelihood there are other people in
your workplace feeling just like you,
hoping that someone will speak up
and put a stop to the behaviour. By
reporting the behaviour, you can
empower other students and staff to
speak up about how they are feeling,
and this will have a positive impact
on the workplace.
Bullying, Sexual Harassment and Discrimination 9Managers seem to accept the
behaviour …
There is a zero-tolerance
approach to bullying, sexual
harassment and discrimination
within ANU in all years of study
and within all organisations where
students undertake placements. I saw it, but it didn’t actually
Managers or academics who do happen to me. I don’t want to
not address these behaviours break anyone’s confidentiality or
are neglecting their obligations, cause trouble by saying anything
and bullying, sexual harassment …
and discrimination should still
be reported. Supportive bystanders should
look for ways to speak up safely
and respectfully. Exactly how will
differ according to the situation,
but it shouldn’t be up to victims
alone to speak out. Try to support
the person who is being bullied,
harassed or discriminated against
I don’t want to create a hassle for and, if appropriate, offer to help
my supervisor … them report it. You can also use
the same informal and formal
Managers or academics may not complaint processes yourself while
be aware of the behaviour, or they maintaining confidentiality for
may be involved in the inappropriate the victim.
conduct. Feeling guilty that
your action may have negative
repercussions for perpetrators,
your supervisor, manager and/
or academic staff is a common
experience for victims, but this is
not your guilt to carry.
10 ANU College of Health & MedicineI don’t want my name to I was alone with the perpetrator
be known. Can I make an so I have no witnesses to believe
anonymous complaint? … that my concerns were real; no
You can report your concerns one will believe me …
anonymously through the ANU You can make a note of the direct
Medical Students’ Society Equity verbatim used towards you or a
Officer. However, this may not allow detailed description of the actions
us to get more details to advise you or gestures conducted that made
on next steps. Even an anonymous you feel uneasy. Discuss these
formal complaint can often not be notes with a person with whom
addressed appropriately as we you hold mutual trust. If several
cannot contact you. Anonymous individuals, unknown to each other,
complaints cannot be investigated observe similar behaviours, soon
and resolved. However, if someone enough this no longer remains
behaves inappropriately, it is likely the isolated case one may have
that they have done it before and believed it to be.
to others. It is therefore unlikely
they will know exactly who has
put in the complaint. Talking to us
is the best step. We will protect
your identity and advise you on the
next steps. We will also give you
advice on identifying yourself in a
formal complaint. Please remember
that staff and students also need
to adhere to a code of conduct
and this should protect you. Any
further unwanted behaviours from
any person will be dealt with much
more seriously.
Bullying, Sexual Harassment and Discrimination 11Some reasons you should
consider to report unacceptable
What do I do if I
behaviour:
am experiencing
or witness
It helped me to regain control of bullying, sexual
harassment or
my life ...
Fear of negative career
consequences is a major barrier to
victims coming forward; however, if discrimination?
you are the victim of bullying, sexual
harassment or discrimination, it is
likely that the behaviour is already
having an effect on both your If you have been assaulted, please
personal life and career. Although contact the Australian Federal
it is extremely difficult to do, by Police urgently.
coming forward you have the Any police matter will be dealt with
opportunity to break this painful through the AFP. ANU may be informed to
cycle and regain control. assist with any investigation.
I made the workplace better for
everyone ...
A workplace can only address
Informal resolutions
problems it is aware of. By reporting There are different options:
bullying, sexual harassment, and
discrimination you are helping to a. Seek advice from a trusted person
make the ANU a fairer and more
> ANU Medical Student Society
supportive learning environment
Equity Officer
for everyone.
studentequity.medicalschool.anu.edu.au
Year Coordinators:
Dr Zan-Min Song
Dr Brett Scholz
12 ANU College of Health & MedicineDr William Huang
Dr Selina Watchorn Please don’t suffer in
(for contact details see page 14)
silence. Any person
> Clinical Skills Coordinators who has concerns
Dr Michelle Barrett
Dr Janelle Hamilton
about behaviour they
Dr Dianne Willis have experienced,
> Associate Dean Phase 1:
or witnessed has a
Dr Karin Messerle number of options
> Associate Dean Phase 2:
available for support
Dr Nicholas Taylor and to try to resolve the
> Director Medical School
matter quickly
and effectively.
> Deputy Director Medical School
> ANU Dean of Students
If informal resolutions have not
> Another contact person you feel
resolved the issue, you feel unsafe or
comfortable speaking with including
the behaviour is serious
those listed on page 15.
b. Speak to the person
1. Formal complaint
concerned directly Contact either (via e-mail or in person):
c. C
ontact medical defence > ANU Medical Students’ Society
organisations Equity Officer
If the matter remains unresolved, > Year Coordinator
consider a formal complaint. > Clinical Skills Coordinators
> ANU Medical School Director or
Deputy Director
This person will support you and tell
you more about your options. Together
you can decide if you want to make a
formal complaint.
Bullying, Sexual Harassment and Discrimination 13C O N TA C T S
2. Still not resolved? For more information, help, or advice on
reporting there are a number of resources
Hopefully informal resolution strategies that can be utilised:
or a formal complaint will adequately
address the behaviour. If not, there are Student Contacts
still options available:
ANU Medical Students’ Society
> ANU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Equity Officer
(Academic) E studentequity.medicalschool@anu.edu.au
> ACT Ombudsman
> Australian Human Rights
Commission (for complaints relating
ANU Medical School
to discrimination)
Year Coordinators
> Medical defence organisations are Year 1 Academic Coordinator
also able to provide help and advice Dr Zan-Min Song
to resolve these types of problems. T (02) 6125 4963
E zan-min.song@anu.edu.au
Year 2 Academic Coordinator
Dr Brett Scholz
T (02) 6125 5753
E brett.scholz@anu.edu.au
Year 3 Academic Coordinator
Dr William Huang
T (02) 5124 0000
E william.huang@anu.edu.au
Year 4 Academic Coordinator
Dr Selina Watchorn
T (02) 5124 0000
E selina.watchorn@anu.edu.au
14 ANU College of Medicine, Biology & EnvironmentWellbeing Academic Lead- Student Deputy Director
Welfare Committee A/Professor Alexandra Webb
Dr Nicola Schembri T (02) 5124 4966
T (02) 5124 3655 E alexandra.webb@anu.edu.au
E nicola.schembri@anu.edu.au
Other Academic Faculty
Academic Support Staff
Phase 1 Clinical Skills Coordinator, Year 1 These academic staff members are
Dr Michelle Barrett passionate about equity and are happy
T (02) 5124 3361 to be contacted:
E michelle.barrett@anu.edu.au
Prof Kirsty Douglas
Phase 1 Clinical Skills Coordinator, Year 2 T (02) 5124 4946
Dr Janelle Hamilton E kirsty.a.douglas@anu.edu.au
T (02) 5124 3361
E janelle.hamilton@anu.edu.au Prof Klaus-Martin Schulte
T (02) 5124 4939
Phase 2 Clinical Skills Coordinator, Year E km.schulte@anu.edu.au
3/4
Dr Dianne Whiteman Willis Dr Karin Messerle
T (02) 5124 3655 T (02) 6125 7435
E dianne.willis@anu.edu.au E karin.messerle@anu.edu.au
Phase 2 Medical Advisor - Canberra Dr Nicholas Taylor
Hospital T (02) 5124 0000
Dr Alexandra Tyson E nicholas.taylor@anu.edu.au
Canberra Sexual Health Centre
T (02) 5124 2184 Prof Christine Phillips
E alexandra.tyson@anu.edu.au T (02) 6125 7665
E christine.phillips@anu.edu.au
ANU Medical School Leadership
Director Clinical A/Prof Sarah Martin
Professor Zsuzsoka Kecskes T (02) 5124 0000
T (02) 6125 2622 E sarah.martin@anu.edu.au
E director.medicalschool@anu.edu.au
Ms Karlee Johnston
E karlee.johnston@anu.edu.au
15 ANU College of Health & Medicine Bullying, Sexual Harassment and Discrimination 15Contacts outside the ANU assistance with any personal or academic
Medical School matters including advocacy and
legal advice.
ANU Dean of Students – available T (02) 6125 2603
for confidential advice and reporting E parsa.assistance@anu.edu.au
external to the Medical School. The
Dean of Students can act as a neutral
intermediary between students and the ANU Counselling Centre – offers free
university and can assist in determining and confidential counselling to all
the best way of addressing complaints. ANU students.
T (02) 6125 4184 T (02) 6125 2442
E dean.students@anu.edu.au
Respectful Relationships Unit Medical defence organisations − offer
is available for support and any free membership to medical students
investigation into sexual violence and and are able to provide free legal
sexual harassment. advice to students before and during
T (02) 6125 7870 the submission of formal complaints.
E respect@anu.edu.au The extent of representation depends
on the organisation and individual
circumstances, but the claims
Canberra Rape Crisis Centre - they offer
department (usually available 24hrs) can
confidential advice and support on sexual
provide more information.
harassment of all nature, which does not
need to culminate in sexual violation or
rape.
T (02) 6247 2525 (7am-11pm) For emergency counselling support
E crcc@crcc.org.au
Dealing with bullying, sexual harassment
https://www.crcc.org.au
and discrimination can take a significant
toll on your mental health and physical
Your own GP – don’t forget to stay in wellbeing. If you do experience mental ill-
contact with your GP. If you don’t have health please reach out to someone you
a regular GP, you can utilise the Doctors’ trust. If support is needed urgently there
Health Advisory Service ACT are 24 hr services available including:
(0407 265 414 – 24hr service)
Beyond Blue Support Service
PARSA – has professionally trained
T 1300 224 636
staff to provide free and confidential
16 ANU College of Health & MedicineLifeline - crisis support and suicide Other resources
prevention
T 13 11 14 What you can do to stop bullies – be
a supportive bystander: Violence,
Canberra Rape Crisis Centre Harassment and Bullying fact sheet.
(7am – 11pm) Australian Human Rights Commission.
Text Only 0488 586 518
Feedback
If you experience sexual assault This booklet has been developed for
There are people who can give you students, by students. If you identify
specialist advice and support. Even if you information that is incorrect or other
are not ready to report the assault, you information that you think needs to be
should seek medical assistance as soon included, let us know! Please provide
as possible after the event. feedback and ideas surrounding the
content of this document to the ANU
Canberra Rape Crisis Centre Medical Students’ Society Equity
(7am – 11pm) Officer at:
Text Only 0488 586 518 studentequity.medicalschool@anu.edu.au
NSW Rape Crisis Centre (24hrs)
T 1800 424 017
References
Service Assisting Male Survivors of
Sexual Assault Australian National University Procedure:
T (02) 6287 3935 Prevention of discrimination, harassment
and bullying
Canberra Sexual Health Centre
T (02) 5124 2184 Australian National University Student
Complaint Resolution Policy
Emergency Medical Care
Canberra Hospital Australian National University - Policy:
T (02) 5124 0000 Student Critical Incident
AFP Sexual Assault Team ACT Government Public Sector
T 13 14 44 Employment Framework Portal. Resolving
workplace issues
NSW Police Assistance Line
T 13 14 44 ACT Government-Fact sheet:
Feeling Safe and Supported on
Clinical Placement
Bullying, Sexual Harassment and Discrimination 1718 ANU College of Medicine, Biology & Environment Bullying, Sexual Harassment and Discrimination 18
C O N TA C T U S Medical School ANU College of Health & Medicine Florey Building, 54 Mills Road Acton ACT 2601 The Australian National University T 02 6125 2622 E director.medicalschool@anu.edu.au W medicalschool.anu.edu.au CRICOS Provider #00120C
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