At the end of 2021 an important national survey on student safety was conducted across Australia by Universities Australia and the Social Research Centre. The results were released on 23 March 2022.

The National Student Safety Survey measured the prevalence of sexual assault and sexual harassment among university students, perceptions of safety, and views towards student campus life.

893 students from Victoria University joined over 40,000 others from universities across Australia to participate in this voluntary survey.

Victoria University’s work to address and respond to sexual violence is shaped by the student voice, experiences and needs. We welcome the knowledge and guidance the survey report has given us. It has highlighted areas we have to improve, and we will.

Read our media release

Watch the Vice-Chancellor's statement on the National Student Survey Results

2021 Survey Results

View the key findings for the National Student Safety Survey:

National Report

VU Results (PDF, 322KB)

Report a concern

We care & we act

Sexual harassment and sexual assault have no place at our university.

Everyone has the right and the expectation that they will be safe wherever they study, live, work and socialise.

The survey results are part of a growing body of evidence in Australia which shows that sexual harassment and sexual assault are pervasive in all corners of our society. As a nation, this cannot be tolerated and, as a university, we must be part of the solution. 

Victoria University will continue to promote gender equality, build a culture of respect, and support all members of our diverse community.

Both sexual harassment and sexual assault are reprehensible and absolutely unacceptable.

Along with my colleagues across the sector, I am disappointed, saddened and angered that we continue to see this behaviour both on our campuses and in our society more broadly.

As a public-purpose institution, Victoria University has a responsibility to provide a safe learning experience for all students — and more work clearly needs to be done. - Professor Adam Shoemaker, Vice-Chancellor of Victoria University

Building respectful futures together

The report from the first national survey on sexual harassment and sexual assault in universities, Change the Course, was released in 2017.  Since then, Victoria University, in partnership with students, has resourced and developed a whole-of-institution approach to preventing and responding to gender-based violence.

Related

Get support

Victoria University is here to support you. Reach out to our free and confidential counselling services, any time.

We actively encourage anyone who has experienced sexual harassment or sexual assault during their time at VU to disclose their experiences and receive support. 

Safer community

Safer community provides advice, assistance and support to VU staff and students. If you or someone you know is affected by something concerning while at VU, contact Safer Community:

WestCASA

WestCASA is a community-based sexual assault counselling service operating in the western metropolitan region of Melbourne. 

VU students and staff can also access dedicated, 24/7 support by calling  +61 3 9216 0411. Read our  Frequently Asked Questions for more information. 

Counselling

Counselling is also available to students. If you have experienced violence or harassment, or the survey report has brought up past experiences, we have counsellors available to help.

Additional support services

  • inTouch: Provides services and support to migrants and refugees.
    Call 1800 755 988

  • Q Life: Provides peer support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) people and their friends, families and allies.
    Call 1800 184 527 | Webchat: www.qlife.org.au

  • Djirra: Provides culturally safe and accessible services to Aboriginal people seeking support.
    Call 1800 105 303

  • 1800RESPECT: A national sexual assault, domestic family violence counselling service.
    Call 1800 737 732 | Webchat: www.1800respect.org.au

Training for students

All VU students can access free, online training in the areas of Consent and Respectful Relationships and Bystander Awareness and Action. This award-winning training was co-designed with VU students and is mandatory for student leaders. The online modules are available on Learning Hub (login required).

Training for staff

We know that our students may reach out to staff as a first line of contact; familiarise yourself with the support services available for staff and students.

All staff are encouraged to complete these online modules:

Further resources

Find out more about the National Student Safety Survey, including FAQs, at the Universities Australia site.

Conduct in online environments

With so much of our learning, work, and socialising now online, this is a space that we need to keep safe for all.

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Respect & responsibility

We deliver programs and initiatives that challenge gender stereotyping and help change attitudes and behaviours around sexual assault and sexual harassment.

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Sexual assault & harassment information

We believe that a single case of sexual assault or harassment is one too many.

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