Results from a national survey outlining the prevalence of sexual harassment and sexual assault within Australian Universities have today been released.
Warning: This story contains details and content that some readers may find distressing.
The 2021 National Student Safety Survey (NSSS), conducted by the Social Research Centre, has found that one in six students have experienced sexual harassment since starting university.
In the last 12 months, one in ninety students have experienced sexual assault, with only one in twenty of those formally reporting the incident.
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More than 43,000 students from 38 different Australian universities were surveyed last year, as Universities Australia (UA) works to prevent sexual violence from occurring inside university communities, as well as ensuring adequate support for those who have been affected.
Following a two-year COVID-19 induced hiatus, the 2021 NSSS was commissioned by Universities Australia as part of the "Respect. Now. Always" initiative. This is the second survey to be conducted under the initiative with the first completed in 2017.
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The survey data reflects the gendered nature of sexual violence and shows female students, transgender students and non-binary students were more likely to have experienced sexual violence than male students.
In the past 12 months, 1.4 per cent of female students had been sexually assaulted at university, compared to 0.6 per cent of male students.
Pansexual, bisexual, gay or lesbian students were high among victim-survivors, as well as younger students aged 18 to 21.
Students with a disability were also more likely to report experiencing sexual harassment, at 13.7 per cent, and sexual assault, at 2.4 per cent.
The most common locations students reported experiencing sexual assault were clubs and social event spaces (25.8 per cent), student accommodation (25.3 per cent) and private homes (18.4 per cent).
Students reported a range of incidents of sexual harassment and sexual assault, including cat-calling, sexualised comments, being inappropriately touched or groped, stalked and being kissed without permission.
Mark Scott, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sydney, apologised to all victim-survivors in his response to the damning survey results.
"To every person who has experienced sexual harassment or sexual assault, we are deeply sorry," Mr Scott said.
"Every student has the right to feel safe and supported and to be treated with respect and dignity, whether on campus, online or offshore. Anything less is unacceptable.
"Frankly, one case is too many.
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"These new survey results and student testimonies highlight the confronting ongoing problem we face in our community and in society in preventing and responding to sexual misconduct."
Upon taking part in the survey and sharing their experiences, students were able to provide recommendations as to what actions need to be taken to better respond and prevent sexual harassment and assault.
Many recommendations were directed at universities, but several also noted sexual violence is a societal issue within Australia which requires social change.
Key recommendations from students include challenging cultures that normalise and excuse sexual violence, improving awareness for reporting and support, as well as ensuring policies are survivor-centric.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
