Australian universities are not fully meeting the recommended measures to combat sexual violence on campuses. 

New analysis, conducted by the Australian Human Rights Institute at the University of New South Wales, reveals the absence of specialised committees in a third of the institutions surveyed, despite this being recommended in 2017 by the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC).

The research highlights the opaque nature of data reporting on sexual violence disclosures, with only 15 universities making an effort to publish consolidated information about sexual violence reports, and just six of these providing transparency on their response actions.

This follows disturbing statistics from the National Student Safety Survey of 2020, which estimated 14,300 students face sexual assault annually within university settings. 

The latest findings reveal a sector marked by inconsistency, where despite the presence of policies on sexual violence, the thorough reporting and accountability remain inadequate.

Education ministers are preparing to convene to endorse a National Student Ombudsman and Action Plan aimed at strengthening the sector's response to sexual violence. The initiative seeks to enhance transparency and accountability within universities, urging them to annually report the number of complaints received regarding this issue.

Despite the sector's declared commitment to addressing sexual harm, as evidenced by Universities Australia's recent charter, the UNSW report calls for more substantial action beyond rhetoric. 

The report examines the efforts since 2011, noting a series of recommendations that have yet to have the desired impact on enhancing safety and accountability in university communities.

The report, “How Australian Universities are Responding to Campus Sexual Violence” (PDF), could serve as a pivotal resource ahead of the 2024 academic year. 

It aims to fill the information gap left by the lack of systemic oversight from the national higher education regulator, TEQSA, since mid-2020. 

The document compiles data from university websites, offering insights into the policies, reporting mechanisms, and governance arrangements addressing campus sexual violence as of February 2024.