Victorian unis had almost 200 sexual misconduct claims last year

Students and staff at tertiary institutions have reported an alarming number of incidents where they were harassed, stalked and filmed without consent on university grounds.

Some of the incidents reported included sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, filming without consent.

Victorian universities received almost 200 sexual harm reports from students and staff relating to incidents that occurred on campus last year, but student unionists say there are more cases that remain unreported.

Almost a quarter of these reports came from students at RMIT, with the university receiving 49 sexual misconduct disclosures regarding incidents that occurred within its jurisdiction last year – the highest figure across the state’s universities.

Other reports were made to the University of Melbourne, Monash, Deakin and Swinburne universities, with Australian Catholic University recording an additional 25 complaints nationally.

Some of the incidents reported included sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, filming without consent and excessive inappropriate email communication.

Examples of where the incidents occurred include within university grounds such as student accommodation, at social or sporting events and while students were on placement.

Universities credited the rise in complaints to awareness surrounding reporting systems, support services and training, but union leaders say “there are more incidents going unreported”.

RMIT had 49 sexual misconduct disclosures last year.

In addition to the 49 sexual misconduct complaints from students, RMIT received 16 sexual harm disclosures from staff regarding incidents that occurred within university grounds.

Following investigations, 11 staff and four students received disciplinary action.

An RMIT spokesman said the increase in reports “reflects sustained efforts to increase awareness of and confidence in our processes and our support services”.

Meanwhile, there were 46 incidents within Monash University’s jurisdiction, increasing from 32 reports in 2022. This included 29 sexual harassment and 17 sexual assault allegations.

A Monash University spokesman said the institution recognised there was “always more work to be done”.

“While we are proud of the work we have undertaken since our ‘Respect. Now. Always’ initiative in 2016 … we remain committed to building a thriving, inclusive and safe community for our staff and students, now and for the future,” he said.

At the University of Melbourne, there were 25 complaints of alleged sexual misconduct against students last year, up 25 per cent from 2022.

Six sexual misconduct complaints were made about staff, down from 11 in the previous year.

A University of Melbourne spokesman said the institute was working to address the issue of under-reporting.

“(The university) hopes this increase indicates that victim-survivors and witnesses are more willing to disclose and report sexual misconduct, and to seek support and advice,” he said.

Deakin University recorded eight allegations of sexual harm perpetrated by a student and two reports against a staff member, while Swinburne University of Technology recorded nine alleged incidents of sexual assault and 21 incidents of sexual harassment.

A Deakin University spokesman said the safety and welfare of those impacted by discrimination, sexual harm and family violence was the institution’s priority.

“We have a robust foundation of policies and procedures enabling us to respond to and support those in our university community who have been affected,” he said.

A Swinburne University of Technology spokeswoman said students are encouraged to report any incidents, anonymously if they wish.

“Victim survivors receive support, resources and the co-ordination of services to promote their ongoing wellbeing and engagement with university life,” she said.

“Victim survivors are also supported to report incidents to the authorities where appropriate.”

La Trobe University is still finalising its 2023 figures, while Federation University and Victoria University didn’t provide data for that year.

“As a place of learning, teaching, and research, and as a workplace, Victoria University is taking action to educate for equality and ensure we are a place of safety for our staff and students,” a Victoria University spokeswoman said.

At the University of Melbourne, there were 25 complaints of alleged sexual misconduct against students last year.

National Union of Students President Ngaire Bogemann was not surprised by the increase in reports, but said the overall figure was “far below the reality of sexual misconduct experiences on campuses”.

“The number one feedback we hear from students on the ground is campuses aren’t getting any safer,” she said.

University of Melbourne Student Union Sexual Harm Response co-ordinator Naomi Smith said universities needed to invest in programs that “focus on attitudinal and behavioural change if they want to see change”.

“There is still a lot of shame associated with sexual misconduct complaints, all of which discourages them from coming forward,” she said.

Meanwhile Monash Student Association President Chloe Ward said there was still a stigma preventing more people from coming forward.

“I have spoken to some victim-survivors whose biggest fear is reporting and going through the trauma of reliving their experiences, just for their perpetrator to ultimately face no repercussions because of lack of evidence or witnesses,” she said.

“Students continue to feel a strong sense of distrust in institutions. This is an issue that a lot of universities face – especially when students often feel like numbers and rankings rather than individuals.”

SUPPORT SERVICES

VIC Sexual Assault Crisis Line on 1800 806 292

1800RESPECT national helpline on 1800 737 732