The Government proposes regulating university managements to address gender-based violence, but Monash and Sydney universities have jumped in first, outling plans to manage problems on their campuses.
Uni Sydney indicates that its approach is working, but it is careful not to crow. “Many issues of great concern remain. One case is one too many. To every person who has experienced sexual assault or sexual harassment, we are deeply sorry,” the University said yesterday.
The University of Sydney states it received 246 complaints of sexual misconduct in 2023, of which half were not “university related.”
It details actions in 2023 on those that were, and presents what it proposes for 2024 – presumably actions now well underway. Among communications and consultations there are actual activities, including, extending “ethical bystander” training to more students and expanding “respectful research training” for higher degree supervisors.
As to actual cases, the University reports that four staff were involved in matters from 2022, still live last year. One was sacked, two resigned and another “was given a first and final warning.”
Monash U has released an “action plan” for 2024-25 to, “design and promote best-practice, evidence-based prevention initiatives that centre the experiences of victim-survivors, transform attitudes and behaviours; and support a safer, respectful and more inclusive campus community.”
It sets out six distinct university cultures where this will apply – including teaching and learning, research and impact, student life and staff engagement, although there is nothing specific on what will be done in each.
There will be a second plan in 2026-30, based on what is learnt from the first. And the university commits to publicly reporting progress. Plus Sexual Harm Prevention and Response policies are in development. Presumably they will all build on the 84 specifics in the 2021 plan.
It may, or may not, be enough to encourage the Department of Education, to leave both alone. At the end of May the Department released an issues paper for a national HE code on prevention of and response to gender-based violence. It included a proposal for a dedicated unit to monitor, assess and enforce compliance (FC May 30).
