our commitment to
safety, respect and wellbeIng
Living in a College is an important part of the JCU experience, and we want every resident to feel safe, supported and respected. To make this real, The John Flynn College has adopted James Cook University’s Whole-of-Organisation Action Plan to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence. This means you receive the same high-quality support, reporting options and education no matter where you live or study.
Our Residential College Action Plan sets out how we put this into practice every day. It works hand-in-hand with the University’s plan, and both are built on principles of trauma-informed, victim-centred, culturally informed best practice.
national higher education code to prevent and respond to gender-based violence
pathways for
support & care
if you ever need support - you're not alone
Any resident who has experienced, witnessed, or is worried about any form of gender-based violence can contact the JCU Respect Misconduct Officers. They are trained, confidential points of contact who can:
- Listen and offer support
- Connect you to specialist services
- Explain your options
- Help you understand JCU’s reporting and complaint processes
- Provide advice if you’re supporting a friend
You can reach them directly or make a report through the University’s secure online form (including anonymously).
Support links:
• Contact a JCU Respect Misconduct Officer
• Make a Report (secure form)
• JCU Safety and Wellbeing website
prevention and education: what you can expect
As part of living in college, residents take part in the JCU Respect online module and a program of Respectful Relationships workshops run by expert facilitators. These sessions are about building a respectful, inclusive college community and helping you understand:
- What respectful behaviour looks like
- How to respond if something doesn’t feel right
- How alcohol and power dynamics affect consent
- Ways to safely support a friend
- Where to get help
The John Flynn College coordinates workshop schedules and communications, while all educational content and facilitators are provided by JCU.
a single, consistent pathway - no mixed messages
To avoid confusion and to ensure every student gets the same standard of care, our College does not run separate reporting processes or investigations for gender-based violence. Everything flows through the JCU Respect pathway.
This creates:
- One clear place to seek help
- One set of policies and procedures
- Consistent, trauma-informed responses for every resident
our team and our responsibility
All College staff and Residential Assistants play an important role in creating a safe living environment. As part of our commitment:
- Staff and RAs complete JCU Respect training
- Staff and RAs are required to make declarations about any past findings of gender-based violence, as required under the National Code
- Any concerns or disclosures are referred directly to the JCU Respect Misconduct Officers
- Staff must declare any intimate personal relationships with residents to ensure appropriate safeguarding arrangements are in place
Risk assessments and management plans are undertaken with the support of JCU’s Chief of Staff, who oversees this process across all residential providers.
together, we can build a safer community
Our approach is simple: we look after one another, we treat each other with respect, and we take action when someone needs support.
If you ever have questions, feel unsure about something, or want advice, please reach out. We are here to help at every step.
Useful links:
• College Prevention and Response Plan
• Safety and Wellbeing website
• Contact a JCU Respect Misconduct Officer
understanding
the universal prInciple and cultural safety
The Universal Principle emphasises the provision of environments that promote and uphold the right to cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Cultural safety requires organisations to take deliberate and meaningful action to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children feel welcomed, safe, valued, included, and respected. Such environments actively recognise and affirm Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, identities, and perspectives, and are underpinned by practices that prevent discrimination, exclusion, and cultural harm.
Click on the image to read the Universal Principle and the 10 Child Safe Standards published by the Queensland Government.
Read our Child Safe Action Plan.
