Overview

The Australian Human Rights Commission's National Report on Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment at Australian Universities outlines the Commission's findings on the prevalence and nature of sexual assault and sexual harassment at all Australian universities. It is based on analysis of the data collected through a national survey and a separate submissions process conducted over the second half of 2016. All 39 universities in Australia, through their peak body Universities Australia, have committed to this work. We appreciate the assistance of Vice-Chancellors, Universities Australia and other university staff who delivered the national survey to their student bodies. We also thank The Hunting Ground Australia Project, whose advocacy has provided a platform for this project and who provided seed funding to the Commission, for their contribution. This report comes after years of advocacy by survivors of sexual assault, student representatives and other organisations to raise public awareness of the issue of sexual assault and sexual harassment at Australian universities. Sexual assault and sexual harassment have a devastating impact on individuals - physically, emotionally and psychologically. The fact that this behaviour is occurring at universities is of serious concern. The implications are far-reaching for students, due to their vulnerability at this stage of their life cycle where they are maturing into adults and may be away from home for the first time. There are often severe consequences for how they access education and the completion of their studies, which in turn can impact their future careers. The prevalence of sexual assault and sexual harassment at universities has received considerable focus in a number of countries over recent years, most notably in the United States and United Kingdom. In Australia, there has been a desire to understand the extent to which sexual assault and sexual harassment affects our students and ensure best practice responses, based on comprehensive data. The information contained in this report paints a disturbing picture of the prevalence rates of these behaviours at Australian universities. Importantly, it also explores how universities have responded to disclosures and reports of incidents of sexual assault and sexual harassment. The report contains a series of recommendations to assist universities to deal with the challenges that currently exist. I encourage them to move swiftly to indicate what they will do as a result of this report. And I encourage universities to do so in an inclusive manner that involves robust dialogue with students and staff alike, and responds in a fully integrated way across the full life and community of the university.

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