2021 National Student Safety Survey results
The results of the 2021 National Student Safety Survey (NSSS), completed by 43,819 students from 39 Australian universities, have been released by Universities Australia (UA).
A total 1249 Monash students completed the survey, providing valuable insights and feedback into their experiences of sexual harassment and sexual assault on and off campus.
Hear from our President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Gardner AC on the Monash-specific results and our University’s commitment to the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence. The results specific to Monash can also be found in an infographic format on our dedicated website.
Our commitment
President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Gardner AC said: “As part of our Respect. Now. Always. (RNA) initiative, a program committing the University to be a place of work and study that is free from sexual and gender-based violence, we will continue working to achieve a culture that is safe, inclusive and respectful for all.
“We provide various avenues of advice and support for our students who have experienced sexual and gender-based violence, and will regularly highlight these avenues in communications to ensure our student community is aware of our reporting and support channels.
“We will also continue developing and delivering online and face-to-face education initiatives for the wider Monash community, including modules, interactive training sessions, and events and activities, and educate our community on the actions bystanders can take,” said Professor Gardner.
While much of the RNA campaign has focused on students, Monash University will increase its focus on supporting and equipping staff with the necessary skills to increase early intervention in problem behaviours, and to create a strong culture in which our people feel empowered to call out and address concerning behaviours.
Our progress to date
Significant change has occurred over the last five years since the release of the initial survey in 2016 and Change the Course: National Report on Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment at Australian Universities 2017 by the Australian Human Rights Commission.
We have taken action on the nine recommendations, which you can review via this dedicated webpage. While we responded to these recommendations, we recognise there is always more that can be done. We are committed to continuously work towards improving our response to sexual and gender-based violence through sound evidence-based prevention initiatives.
Key initiatives
- Establishment of a dedicated prevention unit within the Campus Community Division, Respectful Communities, to focus on addressing the drivers of sexual and gender-based violence.
- Development of a standalone Sexual Misconduct Response Procedure, which solidifies our commitment to a trauma-informed, victim-centric model for response to disclosures and reports.
- Leading the sector in our whole-of-institution commitment to this issue, by publishing reports made to our Safer Community Unit annually, as well as providing regular updates on prevention and response.