Universities Australia Chair John Dewar . Photo : La Trobe University
The results indicate we need to continue to do more .
‘ Part of the solution ’
Sector vows to address sexual assault on campus .
By Emilie Lauer
Today marks a hard day for the community and particularly for victim-survivors of sexual harassment and sexual assault ,” declared Universities Australia Chair , Professor John Dewar .
Dewar ’ s words came after the release of the 2021 National Student Safety Survey , conducted by the Social Research Centre from September to October 2021 .
The survey took in the views of 43,819 students about their experience of sexual harassment and assault across 39 Australian universities .
Key findings included that one in six students surveyed have experienced sexual harassment since starting university , and one in 12 in the past 12 months . One in 20 students said they have been sexually assaulted since starting university and 1.1 per cent reported being sexually assaulted in the past 12 months .
The data also showed that women , gender and sexually diverse students , Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students as well as students with a disability were more likely to encounter sexual assault and harassment .
According to the data , these incidents occurred not only on campus and student accommodation , but also at social gatherings , clubs and events .
Dewar apologised to the victims on behalf of Universities Australia , before praising them for their courage to speak and share their stories .
“ Your contribution helps us make change and see where measures may have fallen short , and where there are green shoots of cultural change .
“ The survey results are part of a growing body of evidence in Australia which shows that sexual harassment and sexual assault are pervasive in all corners of our society .
“ As a nation , this cannot be tolerated , and as a sector , we will continue to be part of the solution ,” he added .
In the wake of the survey , the National Tertiary Education Union called on the Federal Government to prioritise the prevention of sexual violence .
NTEU national president Dr Alison Barnes said it is a priority to establish a roundtable on sexual harassment , noting that the government had ignored the union ’ s earlier call for one to be created .
“ Survivors of harassment and assault are forced to carry a significant burden for the rest of their lives . This thought is only made more harrowing when you consider universities and the Federal Government could have done more to prevent sexual violence in university communities but failed to act .
The NSSS reports that only one in 30 students who were sexually harassed and one in 20 students who were sexually assaulted made a formal complaint .
Half of the students surveyed said they knew nothing or very little about the formal reporting process .
According to Flinders University vicechancellor Professor Colin Stirling , important progress has already been made in his university to build a culture of safety , improve education and awareness around sexual assault and harassment , and to simplify the reporting process .
“ Nevertheless , the results indicate we need to continue to do more , and we welcome the insights the report provides to further direct our efforts ,” Stirling said .
The lack of awareness around reporting was a common denominator across all 39 universities , and a concern for Southern Cross University vice chancellor Tyrone Carlin .
“ We want all members of our Southern Cross University community to feel safe and we must empower those who have experienced sexual harassment and sexual assault to report it and to feel confident in our processes when they do so .
“ This will be a key area for focus as we work through building a comprehensive response ,” he added .
In the aftermath of the survey , Western Sydney University vice-chancellor and President Barney Glover said the university will continue to work on building a safe place for students .
These measures include implementing clear , inclusive and targeted campaigns to educate specific groups on consent , as well as the impact of these behaviours and challenging cultures that normalise or excuse these behaviours , focusing on specific locations in which students congregate to live , learn and socialise .
Full Stop Australia CEO Hayley Foster acknowledged the efforts of Australia ’ s universities for their transparency in the report , but pushed for more to be done .
“ There needs to be a commitment to changing university policies and practices , ensuring mandatory training and orientation programs for all staff and students as well as creating strong reporting mechanisms and appropriate responses to substantiated allegations ,” Foster said . ■
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