Australian university students have spoken out about consistent mishandling of their sexual violence complaints as part of the biggest review of the university sector in years.
In a submission to the University Accord panel, which is running a wide-ranging review of the university sector as the government prepares to make major changes to higher education, students said they had been repeatedly let down by institutions which had failed to protect them.
The submission, from the student-run STOP Campaign, brought together more than 50 accounts of assault by students and those in pastoral care positions in universities and colleges.
Students said they were concerned that the accord’s timeline for submissions coincided with university exam season, meaning students were unable to make their voices heard.
But in a series of recommendations, they also laid out how the sector could improve so future cohorts can be protected.
The STOP Campaign included responses to its #IDeserveSafety survey in its submission, which was launched and supported by a number of federal politicians from across the parliament.
The vast majority of respondents were current students living in on-campus residential halls, with many detailing incidents of sexual harassment, rape and stalking.
While respondents to the survey came from across many universities, the Australian National University (ANU) was mentioned by 25 per cent of respondents and highlighted as a case study.
The STOP Campaign was started by ANU students in 2017, in response to the university being identified as having the highest rates of sexual violence in university settings across the country.
Current student Danny*, who detailed their assault as part of the survey but is not at ANU, is hopeful the submissions and the accord review will lead to change that will make students safer.
They said the accord has an opportunity to recommend substantial changes to university policies and conduct.
A number of senior government ministers, members of the opposition and the crossbench have said the university sector has been letting students down and needs to do more to protect students.
Higher education institutions were heavily criticised by MPs from across the political spectrum for not committing to another National Student Safety Survey (NSSS), despite it being a key recommendation of the Human Rights Commission.
The sector’s peak body, Universities Australia, eventually decided last month to run another one.
The body’s CEO, Catriona Jackson, also came under fire over her handling of the issue.
(ABC)
