University-based support

There is confidential support for academic matters available for all students to ensure the impact on your studies is limited.

Sexually harmful behaviour can impact your ability to focus, your motivation to study, and your ability to attend class.

You can access confidential support for academic matters to ensure the academic impact is limited. You may need to request extensions or ask for academic adjustments to be made. You may need extra time, special exam considerations, or support to access lecture material. You do not need to disclose what happened to academic staff, and adjustments can be made without academic staff being aware of your circumstances.

You can have a confidential conversation about your academic needs and receive support from:

Student Interest and Conflict Resolution

Students can contact the Student Interest and Conflict Resolution team during business hours to discuss the type of support they require, whether academic or otherwise. This is a confidential service.

You can contact the Student Interest and Conflict Resolution team via email: studentinterest@vuw.ac.nz or by calling +64 4 463 5023.

Mauri Ora—Student Health and Counselling

Students can access general practice medical services and confidential counselling support on campus.

You can find more information about Mauri Ora on their website or by calling +64 4 463 5308.

Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association Student Advocate

VUWSA Student Advocates are independent from the University and can help you understand your options, rights and responsibilities, and help raise an issue or make a complaint.

You can email advocate@vuwsa.org.nz, call +64 4 463 6984, text +64 22 563 6984, or visit the VUWSA Reception, Level 4, Student Union Building, Kelburn campus.

Te Amaru—Disability Services

Te Amaru—Disability Services works with students to find the best ways to navigate their studies when they are impacted by a traumatic experience such as sexually harmful behaviour.

Disability and Inclusion Advisers provide a confidential space to review your current academic access needs and can provide access to rest and study rooms, academic liaison, advice on managing workload, and smaller rooms for tests and exams.

Students should provide supporting documentation from a health professional so that Te Amaru—Disability Services can act on their behalf. We do not need students to share information about any traumatic experience, as we focus on your study-related needs.

You can email: disability@vuw.ac.nz or call +64 4 463 6070.

International Student Experience

International students may experience a number of barriers when seeking support after sexual harm.

You may experience a lack of social support, financial stability, or access to resources, and have language barriers. You may also be fearful of risking your safety or the safety of others.

In New Zealand, the rules and laws relating to sexual assault and harassment apply to everybody—no matter how long they have been here. Citizens of other countries who are visiting New Zealand are also protected by our laws.

It is also important that you know there is support available to you, that you know your rights, regardless of your immigration status, and that your cultural beliefs are understood and respected.

The International Student Experience team can support you through any of the meetings or conversations that you have.

You can contact the International Student Experience team by calling them on +64 4 463 5350 or by emailing international-support@vuw.ac.nz.