The Social Research Centre has been funded to conduct the next national survey on students’ perceptions of safety at Australian universities and experiences relating to sexual harassment and sexual assault.

The RNA project commenced in 2016, in response to the Hunting Ground documentary. A sector wide approach, led by Universities Australia, aims to prevent sexual violence in university communities and improve how universities respond and support those affected.

As part of the RNA project, the Australian Human Rights Commission surveyed students about their experiences of sexual assault and sexual harassment, which was reported in the Change the Course report.

At Macquarie University, the RNA project has focused on implementing evidence-based approaches to change our community culture to prevent sexual assault and harassment, and to improve responses to sexual violence.

The National Student Safety Survey (NSSS) will be run by the Social Research Centre (SRC), as part of the RNA Project and looks at Australian students’ perception of safety and their experiences relating to sexual assault and harassment while at university. This information will help us understand what actions we need to implement to improve student and staff safety.

This is a sensitive topic and may be distressing for some students. Support referrals for students have been embedded within the survey and can be found on our dedicated survey information page.

When

• The survey will open on 6 September and close on 3 October. Students will be randomly selected to take part in this survey and will be contacted via their student email.

Macquarie University NSSS Website

• A dedicated webpage for our students with more information on the history of the survey, what to expect, and a range of support information should they feel the need to use them.
• There will also be a section available to students who were not selected but would still like to participate in the survey.

Support resources for staff

• If you are approached by a student disclosing their experiences, or you have any concerns about a student, then please feel free to lodge a Care Report or an Inappropriate or Unwanted Behaviour (IUB) report. You can lodge this anonymously or on behalf of a student with their permission.
• Your report will go to the Student Care and Report staff in Student Wellbeing. Your report is confidential. If you provide your contact details, staff will contact you to discuss concerns, and potential responses.
• You can also direct students to Student Wellbeing support services. They are available to all Macquarie university students and offer various support services including counselling, welfare, and accessibility services.
  – (02) 9850 7497
  – 1800 CARE MQ (1800 2273 67) after-hours assistance.
  – Wellbeing@mq.edu.au
  – Emergency contacts

Not sure what to do?

• If you’re unsure of what steps to take, feel free to contact Student Wellbeing.
• The RNA team will also be available to provide support and you can contact the team through email at respectreports@mq.edu.au and an advisor will discuss these options with you.