Sydney University’s sexual assault, harassment reports more than double in a year

Almost 250 staff and students from Sydney University were victims of sexual assault and harassment last year, as vice-chancellor Mark Scott says more needs to be done to protect the community.

While reports of misconduct have more than doubled since 2022, the vast majority of victims don’t want the university to investigate.

Almost 250 staff and students from Sydney University were victims of sexual assault and harassment last year.Credit: Oscar Colman

Sydney University’s second annual report on sexual misconduct on campus, released on Tuesday, revealed 246 reports of sexual assault and harassment in 2023. The figures represent a 103 per cent increase from the 121 reports of sexual misconduct in 2022.

Scott said the rise could be attributed to “the full return of students to campus, greater awareness of how to seek support, increased referrals to our Safer Communities Office and improvements in reporting processes”.

“Notable changes implemented by the University in 2023 included the streamlining and simplification of our sexual misconduct reporting processes,” he said.

Of the 246 reports made to the university, 87.8 per cent were disclosures from victims who didn’t want an investigation or specific action. Only 12.2 per cent of complainants wanted the university to further investigate and respond to incidents.

Mark Scott thanked the victims for coming forward. Credit: Oscar Colman

Half of the reports of sexual misconduct had no connection with the university – but were made by a member of staff or student seeking support. A further 15 per cent of all reports were categorised as unknown due to lack of information.

The university rolled out a string of awareness campaigns, prevention education workshops and tailored training sessions in an effort to eliminate all sexual misconduct on campus.

The redesigning of the online reporting form made it “easier to access, use and navigate,” for students and staff, Scott said.

In 2023, a Senate sexual assault inquiry slammed Australian universities’ handling of complaints, describing response times as “inadequate [and] in some cases, outright damaging and deeply troubling”.

Sydney Uni has taken a “zero tolerance” stance as part of an ongoing commitment to transparency and prevention of sexual misconduct on campus.

“I thank everyone who made a report for their courage in coming forward,” Scott said.

“Through sharing their experiences, they have helped us increase our understanding of the prevalence and nature of sexual misconduct experienced by members of our university community, and what we can do better to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all.”

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