What is respect and what does it look like in practice?

At La Trobe we aim to foster a respectful learning and working environment that is free from violence and harm.

Respect is: 

  • consideration for the feelings, wishes, or rights of others 
  • showing care, concern, or regard for someone else 
  • understanding how your actions can affect others 
  • avoiding causing someone distress or harm. 

Being respectful helps us create an environment that is safe, supportive, and harmonious. Respect allows us to embrace differences and be inclusive. 

Where do I have to show respect on campus?

We must all demonstrate and maintain respectful relationships, everywhere, all the time.

The following details some examples of respect on campus: 

  • interactions between students, staff and guests on campus
  • behaviour in class and on campus (including online) 
  • the work you submit  
  • the way you communicate and behave outside of class. 

How do I show respect?

We believe in developing relationships of mutual respect. This doesn’t mean that you need to ignore people’s differences, or agree with others ideas/beliefs/opinions. Being respectful involves recognizing and understanding the importance of differences and in turn, responding with politeness and care. 

Here are some examples of how you can show respect:

  • regard each other equally, despite our differences
  • treating each other as equals
  • working to understand each other’s perspectives and unique contributions
  • understanding differences and celebrating diversity, whilst finding common ground.

By adopting these mutually respectful behaviours, our professional and personal relationships are strengthened.

Being respectful of one another helps us: 

  • feel safe, 
  • feel valued,
  • and develop trust in one another. 

Learn how you can get involved with Respect at La Trobe

Support

Safer Community

 Safer Community at La Trobe provides a free, confidential support service to students who are experiencing concerning, threatening, inappropriate or uncomfortable behaviour. You can also seek their assistance anonymously.

1800 Respect

Outside of university, 1800 Respect provides 24/7 confidential information, counselling & support for anyone impacted by domestic, family, or sexual violence.