In Summary

  • Survey will launch at Swinburne in September
  • Developed by Universities Australia
  • Australian Human Rights Commission will analyse data

Swinburne is joining 38 universities across Australia to conduct a national student survey on sexual assault and harassment.

The survey has been developed by Universities Australia, with the Australian Human Rights Commission.

The survey is an important part of the nation-wide Respect. Now. Always. campaign against sexual assault and harassment.

Swinburne Vice-Chancellor Professor Linda Kristjanson says the survey results will provide valuable information to the university sector.

“We will use the results of this survey to keep improving our policies and support services for students and staff,” she says.

“Swinburne takes a zero-tolerance stand against sexual assault and harassment. We are working with Universities Australia and participating universities to promote a culture of respect in our community.”

About the survey

The survey will launch at Swinburne in September. A randomly selected representative sample of students will be sent a confidential link to participate.

Information provided by students is strictly confidential. All responses will be de-identified to protect student privacy.

The survey is being run by the independent Australian Human Rights Commission with assistance from Roy Morgan Research. Survey data will be analysed and reported by the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Any student who has not been selected in the survey sample, but who would like to share their experience, can do so confidentially via the Australian Human Rights Commission website. These online submissions will also inform further improvements in university policies.

Participating organisations

The survey has been developed with input from experts including:

  • Australian Human Rights Centre at the University of NSW
  • Australian Bureau of Statistics
  • Roy Morgan Research
  • Australian Human Rights Commission.
  • Funding provided by Universities Australia, with seed funding by The Hunting Ground Australia Project.
  • Supported by the National Union of Students and the National Tertiary Education Union.

If you feel distress related to this story or in relation to the survey, support is available by calling 1800 RESPECT.