Grounds for concern: an Australian perspective on responses to sexual assault and harassment in university settings

Abstract

This chapter examines the limited attention given to prevention within Australian policy responses to sexual assault and harassment in university settings. It draws on the findings of Change the Course: National Report on Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment at Australian Universities, released by the Australian Human Rights Commission in 2017. The chapter first describes the historical and political context for the survey, which was initiated in response to the problem of sexual violence in Australian campuses. It then considers the initial steps taken following the release of the survey with the goal of strengthening Australian university responses to sexual harassment and assault. It also discusses recent developments from universities with regard to the problem of sexual violence and some of the key challenges that need to be addressed. Finally, it suggests a long-term approach to address sexual assault and harassment that shifts the focus from risk management to harm prevention.