University of Melbourne report reveals number of staff, students engaged in sexual misconduct
Almost 10 students and five staff members were found to have engaged in sexual misconduct at the University of Melbourne, a new report has revealed.
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At least eight students were found to have engaged in sexual misconduct at the University of Melbourne, a new report has revealed.
The university’s third Sexual Misconduct Annual Report also found five staff members left the institution upon a finding of sexual misconduct last year.
Two of these related to misconduct that was investigated and substantiated, and the employment of both respondents was terminated.
Three sexual misconduct complaints received in 2022 were substantiated in 2023 and employment was terminated on all occasions.
Out of the eight students found to have engaged in sexual misconduct, one was
expelled and three were suspended with conditions placed upon their re-enrolment.
Combined penalties were applied to the remaining four students including exclusion from specified locations, mandatory regular meetings, counselling and contact bans.
This compares to four staff members and seven students found guilty of misconduct in 2022.
The report highlights the university’s commitment to transparency in how it responds to and eliminates sexual misconduct within its community.
It includes outcomes of investigations and the consequences for those who breached the university’s policies, together with the progress the institution has made in preventing and combating sexual harm and sexual harassment.
University of Melbourne Provost Professor Nicola Phillips said the university has made significant progress since the first report was published three years ago, but there is more work to be done.
“Sexual harm has physical, psychological and emotional impacts on the members of our community. We know that headline numbers do not describe the suffering that sits behind the data, and it is incredibly important that we do not lose sight of this,” Prof Phillips said.
“We are determined to provide a safe environment for our community members, free from sexual misconduct,” she said.
Prof Phillips said: “The publication of the 2023 Sexual Misconduct Annual Report is critical to achieving the transparency and accountability necessary to eliminate sexual misconduct in any form at our university.”
“Education is the cornerstone of our approach. In Semester One this year, we launched our new mandatory module for all students and graduate researchers, ‘Preventing Sexual Misconduct’.
“Delivery of the University’s Respect Education Program continues at pace, with more than 8100 staff participating in the last 12 months.”
Prof Phillips encouraged any members of the university community wishing to access support or raise concerns to contact the Safer Community Program or to use the Speak Safely online portal.
“I’d like to thank all our students and staff members, and especially acknowledge the victim-survivors, who are working with us to address and eliminate sexual misconduct from our community.”
Earlier this month, the Herald Sun revealed multiple Juris Doctor students had come forward detailing a litany of complaints within the law faculty at the university.
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