Consultation on the Draft Action Plan addressing gender-based violence in higher education

The 2021 National Student Safety Survey found that since starting university, 1 in 6 students had experienced sexual harassment and 1 in 20 had experienced sexual assault in a university context.

The Australian Universities Accord Interim Report highlighted this issue as an area for immediate attention, and a Commonwealth, State and Territory officials Working Group was established to develop reform options to improve university governance, including the safety of staff and students.

The Working Group has developed the Draft Action Plan addressing gender-based violence in higher education. The draft Action Plan recognises the leading role the higher education sector can and should play to prevent gender-based violence and set the example for appropriate, trauma-informed responses to victim-survivors.

The Department of Education is consulting on the Draft Action Plan for further consideration by Education Ministers.

The Draft Action Plan has been developed in consultation with State and Territory governments, and informed by the expert advice of Ms Patty Kinnersly, CEO of Our Watch, and expert in the prevention of violence against women, and a stakeholder reference group comprised of victim-survivor advocates, student and staff representatives, subject matter experts and university and student accommodation provider representatives.

It outlines seven actions to address and reduce the prevalence of gender-based violence in universities and higher education and student accommodation providers.

Read the Draft Action Plan addressing gender-based violence in higher education.

For information, support and advice about domestic, family and sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or visit the 1800RESPECT website. This is a free, confidential service available 24/7.