19 February 2016: The University of Canberra is partnering with other Australian universities in a new national campaign –Respect. Now. Always. – aimed to prevent sexual assault and harassment.
Vice‐Chancellor Professor Stephen Parker said the campaign builds on longstanding work at the University of Canberra and across the Australian university sector to prevent sexual assault and harassment and ensure that services are in place to support students when they need it.
"Universities should be places of safety and respect and that's why at the University of Canberra we have a zero tolerance approach to sexual harassment or assault," Professor Parker said."This campaign seeks to prevent sexual assault and harassment by raising awareness, supporting students in need of help, and giving bystanders the confidence to speak up. We all have a role to play to ensure our university communities are places of respect where we can learn and work safely.
"But there is more that can be done, and this campaign is the next step to ensure that we keep improving and learning from best practice."
The campaign coincides with the release of the US film 'The Hunting Ground' in Australia.The University of Canberra will be the first university in Australia to show the documentary which looks at sexual assault in American universities. It will be shown on Monday 22 February at 7.00pm in The Refectory.
The screening, supported by the University's Students Association, will be followed by a panel discussion to encourage conversation within the University community of the importance of respect and safety and what is not acceptable behaviour.
To learn more about the campaign visit www.respectnowalways.edu.au
Find out more about the support services available at the University here.