2021 National Student Safety Survey results released
Universities Australia has revealed the findings of the 2021 National Student Safety Survey (NSSS), which was completed by 43,819 students from 39 Australian universities (UA). This survey builds on the Australian Human Rights Commission's (AHRC) survey from 2016. It was funded by Universities Australia (UA) through its Respect. Now. Always. initiative – a sector-wide programme aimed at preventing gendered violence in university communities and supporting those who have been affected.
According to the National Student Survey of 2021, sexual harassment and sexual assault are still prevalent occurrences among Australian university students. While not all of these incidents occur on university campuses, the data show that gendered violence has a significant impact on students and that more needs to be done to limit its occurrence and give assistance to those who are affected. The findings will guide Australian institutions' continued efforts to combat gendered violence and create safe, egalitarian, and inclusive settings.
Given that nationwide rates of sexual harassment and assault remain high, even after COVID-19 lockdowns, institutions must guarantee that particular efforts are monitored, analysed, and reviewed in real-time, with self-correction as appropriate.
Source
Monash University
