Strengthening prevention capability at University of Melbourne

• 80 staff and student leaders trained across the University.
• 97% of respondents were satisfied with the trainings.
• 94% of respondents reported an increase in knowledge in primary prevention of gender-based violence.
• 91% of participants reported an increase in skills relating to primary prevention of gender-based violence.
• 91% of participants reported increased confidence in translating the knowledge and skills into action to address gender inequality in the context of their roles.

Background

University of Melbourne – University Colleges & Residential Life (UCaRL) portfolio represents a unique residential education environment, where staff and student leaders play a critical role in shaping safe, respectful and inclusive communities. 

UCaRL fosters supportive environments where students can build meaningful connections, develop leadership skills and enhance their university experience.

With a strong, ongoing commitment to student safety and wellbeing, and in alignment with the expectations outlined in the National Code, UCaRL partnered with the Our Watch Institute to deliver a series of training sessions. These were designed to equip student leaders and staff with the knowledge and practical skills to identify and prevent gender-based violence in residential settings.

Across late 2025 to early 2026, six training sessions were delivered to 80 participants, strengthening internal capability to prevent gender-based violence within student accommodation.

The program focused on building:

• Understanding of the drivers, prevalence, and impacts of gender-based violence
• Practical skills to identify risks in everyday situations
• Confidence to take action within residential communities

Engagement

The training resonated strongly due to its clear relevance to everyday student life and residential environments, helping participants explore how gender-based violence can emerge in daily interactions, cultures and leadership moments.

Sessions were described as engaging, interactive and accessible, moving beyond traditional lecture-style delivery to incorporate discussion, activities and real-world scenarios. This made complex and sometimes confronting topics easier to understand and apply, while enabling participants to connect the learning directly to their own experiences.

Feedback showed a 97% overall satisfaction rating and participants shared that they found the training practical and immediately relevant, particularly its clear links to Australian student accommodation settings and the tangible actions that could be applied.