Sexual harassment and assaults at universities are occurring at “unacceptable rates”, with more than half of all University of Tasmania students surveyed revealing they were harassed last year.
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Landmark findings released on Tuesday found thousands of university students from across the nation had been sexually harassed or assaulted on campus.
The report, released by the Australian Human Rights Commission, was completed by more than 30,000 students from every university in Australia.
Across the nation, 51 per cent of respondents said they were sexually harassed in 2016, of these, 26 per cent said it occurred at university.
UTAS Vice-Chancellor Peter Rathjen announced on Tuesday that the university’s Dean of Law Margaret Otlowski would take on the new role of Pro Vice-Chancellor of Culture and Well-being to respond to the survey.
Of the 484 UTAS students who took part, 54 per cent said they were sexually harassed in 2016 and one third said it occurred at university.
But just 4 per cent sought help from UTAS.
Almost 2 per cent of students said they were sexually assaulted at UTAS in 2015 or 2016.
The most common form of harassment in Tasmania was sexually suggestive comments or jokes, followed by inappropriate staring.
Professor Otlowski said the university would work on strategies to optimise its response to and minimise incidents of harassment.
“We will use this data to inform our strategies with a view to lead community change,” she said.
“We share a sense of deep regret for any incedents of sexual harassment and assault that have occurred for students of our university.”
Professor Rathjen said the university would consider these results and use them to make changes.
“This is a picture of an issue which is shared between the university and its community – we are intent on taking a leadership role,” he said.
Universities Australia, who commissioned the survey, released a 10-point plan in response to the results, which included the development of a respectful relationships program, a 24/7 interim support line, and a follow-up survey.
Tasmania Police Assistant Commissioner Glenn Frame said police were working with UTAS to encourage students impacted to come forward.
“Sexual assault is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Perpetrators of violence must be made accountable,” he said.
Tasmania University Union president Clark Cooley said it was important that incidents of harassment or assault were taken seriously as currently, most cases were going unreported.
If you need help, call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
