National Student Safety Survey results
The release today of the National Student Safety Survey (NSSS) represents a significant opportunity for Deakin, and all Australian universities, to continue to confront the scourge of sexual harm in our community.
Last September, the NSSS gathered data on the scale and nature of students’ perceptions of safety and experiences relating to sexual harm at Australian universities.
Of Deakin’s more than 66,000 students, about 10,000 were invited to participate in the survey’s qualitative component, and 1166 students responded. Additionally, current and former students (enrolled within the past five years) were given the opportunity to share their experiences on the NSSS website.
‘I sincerely thank each of you who participated in the survey and those willing to share their experiences. I know it was not easy, but you have helped us understand where to focus our energy,’ said Professor Liz Johnson, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic.
‘Together, we must continue to confront the scourge of sexual harm both at universities and across our broader communities. This behaviour has no place at Deakin, and with insights from the NSSS, we have strengthened our Respect and Sexual Harm programs to continue supporting you and changing attitudes and behaviours.’
Survey results
The NSSS data showed the experiences of the 1166 Deakin students who completed the survey were broadly consistent with the national findings. Based on the responses of our students who participated:
- 12.1% of Deakin students who participated in the survey had experienced some form of sexual harassment in a university setting since commencing study. This compared to 16.1% nationally.
- 4.5% of Deakin students who participated in the survey had experienced some form of sexual harassment in a university setting in the past year. This compared to 8.1% nationally.
- 3.7% of Deakin students who participated in the survey had experienced some form of sexual assault in a university setting since commencing study. This compared to 4.5% nationally.
‘While the data reflects that Deakin is a safe place, even one instance of sexual harm is too many. Deakin has worked with our students and staff for many years to build a strong culture of safety, mutual respect, and inclusion – but there is always more to do,’ said Professor Johnston.
Our response
The survey data has revealed the need to increase your awareness about access to support services and where to go to report incidents.
- 6.7% of students who were sexually harassed went on to make a formal complaint to the University.
- The data also highlights that around half of students know little about where to seek support or assistance for harassment or sexual assault.
- Only 17.7% of students who were sexually harassed sought support or assistance from Deakin.
In response, we have already made this information more prominent online and on campus, and we will work with you to improve communication and understanding.
At Deakin we take a proactive approach to preventing sexual harm. We have a strong foundation of policies, procedures and programs and are committed to working towards improving how we respond to and support those in our university community who have been affected.
‘Through the delivery of our Respect and Sexual Harm programs, we focus on changing the attitudes and behaviours that lead to incidents and building a safer and more respectful community,’ said Professor Johnston.
Some of Deakin’s initiatives to ensure student safety and prevent harm include:
- Creation of a single point of contact for anyone to disclose sexual harm, family violence or behaviours of concern and receive support.
- Revision of the Student Code of Conduct to make explicit to students Deakin’s commitment to preventing sexual harm in our University community.
- The introduction of an online portal for confidential anonymous and third-party reporting.
- The introduction of an online Respect at Deakin module, which all students and staff are encouraged to complete.
- Introduction of students and staff training, education and capacity building programs.
- All students residing within student accommodation at Deakin must complete an online induction program that includes direct reference to consent, bystander intervention, respectful behaviours and sexual harm. Deakin Residential Services’ RESPECT values developed to guide community expectations and standards among the on-campus residential student cohort.
Important contacts
- Deakin is committed to ensuring that members of our community have access to free and confidential advice and support. If you are a current student and would like to access advice or support, please contact Safer Community (available Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm)
- Deakin offers free confidential counselling and psychological support to all current Deakin students located in Australia. To book an appointment, visit Deakin Counselling. The University also offers the counselling service Student Assistance Program to students located outside of Australia. This free support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is available in English and in local languages. It can be accessed via phone, video chat, and face-to-face in locations across 130 countries.
The following specialist services are also available at any time, any day:
- 1800 RESPECT – Sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling: 1800respect.org.au or 1800 737 732
- Lifeline – 24-hr crisis support and suicide prevention: lifeline.org.au or 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue – Mental health support: beyondblue.org.au or 1300 224 636
- Sexual Assault Crisis Line Victoria: sacl.com.au or 1800 806 292 (24 hours)
- QLife – 1800 184 527, or qlife.org.au.
- MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78, or mensline.org.au.
Further information
View Deakin’s National Student Safety Survey webpage for information and media release.
Of course, if you have any further questions, please contact the Respectful Behaviours Team at [email protected].