Respectful Relationships

In 2018, Mannix College completed an independent review of sexual harm prevention and response, reinforcing our commitment to continuous improvement in student safety. This review was conducted by Worklogic, in partnership with Monash University, to assess and strengthen policies, training, and reporting systems within our community.

Key Findings

• Mannix provides a safe and supportive residential environment.
• Existing training and reporting pathways are appropriate but needed clearer communication.
• Some traditions and event practices required review to ensure student safety.
• The review recommended stronger alignment with Monash University’s policies and training.

Actions We Took

• Enhanced student leader training to ensure they are well-equipped to support residents and respond to disclosures.
• Refined policies and reporting pathways to improve clarity and accessibility for all residents.
• Reviewed and updated traditions to align with our commitment to a safe and inclusive community.
• Strengthened event safety measures, including a focus on responsible alcohol management and student well-being.

• Mannix has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual violence, harassment, bullying, hazing, and intimidation.
• The Conditions of Residency and Sexual Harm, Discrimination, Harassment, Hazing & Bullying Policy define unacceptable behaviours and outline appropriate consequences for those who cause harm. These policies also prioritise the wellbeing of victim-survivors by embedding trauma-informed, safety-focused practices that support their rights, agency, and access to care.
• Policies are regularly reviewed and updated with input from students, staff, and external experts to ensure best practices.

Mannix College is committed to ensuring that all students feel heard, supported, and safe. To this end, we offer trauma-informed reporting and support options for students wishing to share concerns or disclose incidents. These processes prioritise student wellbeing, choice, and control at every step. Explore Mannix Support Services.

Reporting & Disclosure Options

• Online Reporting Form – Available to all residents and can be submitted anonymously or directly.
• Speak with a Trained Student Leader or Staff Member – For confidential support and guidance.

External Support Services

• Monash University Safer Community Unit – (03) 9905 1599
• Monash University Counselling Service – (03) 9905 3020
• Emergency Services (000) – For immediate danger or urgent safety concerns.

Students may choose to report concerns through the College or directly to the University via the Safer Community Unit. All pathways are designed to be confidential, student-centred, and responsive to the needs of those affected.

We take a whole-of-organisation approach to preventing and responding to gender-based violence. This commitment is championed by our most senior staff, including the Principal, who sits on the Monash University Respect Committee, and is embedded across our student leadership teams and College Council.

Our approach is proactive, values-driven, and community-led:

• Weekly floor meetings, facilitated by Resident Advisors (RAs), foster connection, reinforce community standards, and provide space for early issue resolution.
• RAs and pastoral staff are available 24/7, offering confidential support, guidance, and emergency response when needed.
• Student and staff-led initiatives, such as the Respect at Mannix Advisory Committee, ensure that student voices actively shape policy, education, and safety programs.

This integrated model strengthens our culture of respect, accountability and care—ensuring every member of our community feels safe, supported, and empowered.

Since 2023, the Respect at Mannix Advisory Committee has worked in partnership with College leadership, staff, and students to strengthen safety, inclusion, and respect in our community. The committee focuses on:

Training & Education

• Help design and improve training on consent, respectful relationships, and safety
• Support delivery of key programs, like pre-arrival modules and orientation
• Promote ongoing cultural change through education and awareness

Safety & Wellbeing

• Promote a safe, inclusive environment free from harmful behaviours
• Provide input into safety protocols and event guidelines
• Support bystander training, conflict resolution, and anti-harm initiatives

Policy & Program Advice

• Review and provide feedback on College policies and programs
• Identify areas for improvement and support evaluation of initiatives

Collaboration & Culture

• Partner with MCSS and other student groups to align events with College values
• Help build a respectful and inclusive College culture

Communication & Engagement

• Keep the College community informed through talks, posters, and Gazette updates
• Celebrate progress through storytelling, events, and visual media

Feedback & Reporting

• Gather student feedback and suggest improvements
• Monitor and report on the impact of Committee initiatives

Support & Issue Resolution

• Act as a point of contact for students to raise concerns or seek guidance

Mannix College has actively engaged respected external experts—alongside Monash University staff—to strengthen student safety and promote respectful relationships. Recent initiatives include events and trainings led by:

• 2025 Katrina Marson: A criminal lawyer, author, and leading advocate for holistic consent education. Katrina delivered mandatory in-person training on respectful relationships for all student leaders and new residents. Her work focuses on the intersection of law, health, and education in the prevention of sexual violence.
• 2024 Kelsey Paske: An experienced leader in workplace culture, gendered violence prevention, and behavioural change. She has successfully led cultural transformation programs at La Trobe University, Our Watch, Advance HE, and University College London, where she served as Behaviour and Culture Change Manager. In 2024, she delivered respectful relationships training at Mannix and conducted a full review of the College’s student safety and promotional materials.
• 2023 Professor Kate Fitz-Gibbon: Director of the Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention Centre and Chair of Respect Victoria. Professor Fitz-Gibbon delivered the annual Newman Lecture to the full College community on the topic: “Progressing Gender Equality in Australia: Why it matters and why we must accelerate current efforts.” She is an internationally recognised scholar on family violence and legal responses to violence against women.

These expert-led initiatives reflect Mannix College’s commitment to fostering a culture of respect, inclusion, and safety for all residents.

We take a whole-of-community approach to education, offering a blend of online, in-person, and ongoing learning that informs, empowers, and engages our residents year-round.

Since 2022, all residents must complete foundational training before arrival:

• Pre-Arrival Modules – Mandatory for all new and returning residents, covering Mannix values, consent, respectful relationships, and bystander intervention. Completion is required before move-in.
• Sexpectations Program – Compulsory for new residents, combining an online module with a facilitated in-person workshop on consent, respect, and relationships.
• Bystander Intervention Training – Equips students with practical strategies to safely step in and prevent harm, delivered in accessible, scenario-based formats.

Education doesn't stop after O-Week. Throughout the year, we offer additional learning opportunities, ranging from small group conversations and reflective workshops to College-wide campaigns and guest speaker events. These include:

• Floor-based discussions led by RAs during weekly meetings
• Respect@Mannix campaigns and student-led awareness events
• Panel discussions on topics such as gender equality, allyship, and inclusive leadership
• Specialised training led by external experts, tailored to current issues and resident feedback

This multi-format, ongoing approach ensures that safety and respect are not just taught—but lived—in our College community.

Mannix College encourages students to participate in additional workshops and training through Monash University, including:

• Call It Out: Changing Campus Culture – How to safely challenge harassment and discrimination.
• Preventing Gender-Based Violence – Understanding its impact and how to take action.
• LGBTIQA+ Inclusivity – How to be an ally and create an inclusive environment.
• Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Harm – Learn how to listen, support, and guide someone in need.
• Flip the Script – A women-focused workshop on preventing sexual violence.
• The Masculinities Project – Exploring men’s role in gender equality and violence prevention.

Student leaders at Mannix undergo intensive training to ensure they are well-equipped to support residents:

• Trauma-informed support & responding to disclosures
• Creating a culture of accountability
• Understanding power, influence, and consent
• Mental health first aid & well-being support

Gold Accreditation for Student Safety

In 2024, Mannix College was awarded Gold Accreditation under the Residential Experience Standard (RES), becoming the first Australian residential college to achieve this prestigious recognition. Part of this independent evaluation explicitly focused on how safe and secure our students felt—both in our physical environment and within our community culture.

What This Means for Residents

• Independent validation that Mannix is a leader in student safety.
• Recognition of a strong community culture and proactive leadership programs.
• Benchmarking against top residential providers to ensure continuous improvement.

• Regular policy and training reviews to improve safety measures.
• Ongoing partnerships with Monash University and external experts.
• Alignment with the National Code for University Student Safety, ensuring best-practice student protection.
• Encouraging student engagement in shaping and improving safety initiatives.

Mannix College remains committed to listening, learning, and taking action to build a stronger, safer, and more respectful community.