23 March 2022: Today, the University of Canberra (UC) joins universities across Australia in releasing its results under the 2021 National Student Safety Survey (NSSS).
Vice-Chancellor Professor Paddy Nixon said: “There is no good news coming out of the NSSS findings released today. What is important to acknowledge however, is that our students have demonstrated great courage in speaking up and sharing their stories, and I thank them for responding to the survey. We will take their feedback seriously, and we will take action.
“Everyone deserves to be safe. Respect is a core value of the University of Canberra and we remain resolute that sexual assault and sexual harassment will not be tolerated at our institution.”
The National Student Safety Survey is intended to help Australian universities identify areas of improvement in addressing sexual assault and sexual harassment in their individual university context.
As illustrated in the infographic (supplied), of the 1,494 UC students who responded to the survey, prevalence of sexual harassment at UC in the past 12 months was 10.2 per cent (17.5 per cent since the start of university), and 1.7 per cent in the past 12 months for sexual assault (4.9 per cent since the start of university).
“To every one of our students that has experienced sexual harassment and sexual assault within our university context, we are deeply sorry for what you have endured and the ongoing long-term effects this may have on your life,” said Professor Nixon.
“It is evident that too many students are survivors of sexual harassment and sexual assault – one is too many. We firmly believe that everyone has a right to be treated with respect and dignity, and importantly the right to be and feel safe. Our education and awareness work must create an environment of respect, dignity and safety.”
The findings highlight that the University has more work to do in addressing inappropriate behaviour, and improving awareness of how survivors can access support and report an incident.
“The University continues to address campus safety in a proactive and appropriate manner to ensure that all members of our community – students, staff and visitors - feel supported and safe here,” said Professor Nixon.
In response to the findings of the NSSS, the University will take a two-pronged approach to addressing safety on campus.
“We will continue to raise awareness of the University’s support services available to our students; and address how survivors, witnesses and bystanders can access our reporting mechanism. We will address campus culture through our UC Respect campaign, to promote a culture of respect on our campus as a collective.
“And we have already increased security patrols and improved security personnel visibility in areas of concern.”
For further information on the University’s response, visit the UC Safe Community website.For further information on the NSSS visit the NSSS website.