At MIT, we are committed to maintaining a safe, respectful and inclusive community for all members of our institution. As part of this commitment, MIT partners with White Ribbon Australia, a national organisation dedicated to preventing men’s violence against women and families and promoting gender equality. For more information about White Ribbon, please visit www.whiteribbon.org.au.

Our institution has a zero-tolerance approach to gendered violence. Gendered violence, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, coercion, intimidation, and any behaviour that diminishes the dignity or safety of others, has no place in our community. This means that any form of gendered violence is taken seriously, responded to promptly, and addressed through fair and robust processes. Every student, staff member, contractor, and visitor has the right to learn, work and participate in our community free from harassment, discrimination and violence.

Creating a safe environment is a shared responsibility. We expect all members of our community to uphold the highest standards of respect and professionalism. This includes challenging inappropriate behaviour, supporting those who may experience harm, and contributing to a culture where everyone feels safe to speak up.

We recognise that responding effectively to gendered violence requires clear policies, strong support systems, and a culture of trust. Our institution provides confidential support services, reporting pathways, and trauma-informed responses for anyone affected by gendered violence. We encourage individuals who experience or witness concerning behaviour to seek support and report it so that we can take appropriate action.

For any students and staff experiencing gendered violence, please contact our counsellors:

• Melbourne: Counsellor@mit.edu.au | 03 8600 6723
• Sydney: Counsellor.syd@mit.edu.au | 02 8267 1400

Staff can also access MIT’s EAP Program – Telus Health (formerly Benestar) at 1300 360 364.

Below are the key MIT policies that support a zero-tolerance approach to gendered violence:

• Support for Victims of Domestic Violence Policy and Procedure
• Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Response Policy and Procedure
• Staff Health and Wellbeing Policy
• Equal Opportunity Policy and Procedure
• Alcohol, Drug and Substance Misuse Policy and Procedure
• Critical Incident Policy and Procedure
• Staff Code of Conduct
• Student Charter

Importantly, we are committed to continuous improvement. We regularly review our policies, training programs, and prevention initiatives to ensure they align with best practice and regulatory expectations. Education, awareness, and respectful relationships are essential to preventing harm before it occurs.

To anyone who has experienced gendered violence: you are not alone, and you will be supported. We are committed to listening, responding with care, and ensuring our processes are fair, respectful and centred on wellbeing.

Together, we can build a community where dignity, respect and safety are the foundation of everything we do.

I am committed to breaking the silence around domestic violence against women.

Dr Shesh Ghale, Honoris Causa
Chief Executive Officer