National Student Safety Survey
Content warning: This page mentions sexual assault and harassment. At the University Of Newcastle, we understand that conversations around sexual harassment and sexual assault may be distressing for some people.
The University of Newcastle is committed to ensuring that any student who has been impacted by an experience of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment is supported in a way that is effective and sensitive. If you would like to speak to someone, a range of confidential resources are available below.
What is the National Student Safety Survey (NSSS)?
The National Student Safety Survey is being conducted by the Social Research Centre from 6 September - 3 October 2021. This is the second national survey under the Respect. Now. Always. Initiative and aims to measure student perceptions of safety at Australian universities and experiences relating to sexual assault and sexual harassment.
The survey collected data informs universities about when and where such incidents might be occurring, how students might be seeking help and information, and how to improve university responses and preventative measures for student safety and wellbeing.
- Continuing to ensure that our sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH) policies and procedures are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that any work that contributes to the prevention and response of SASH is current and that they are trauma informed and led by the needs of the victim/survivor. The University of Newcastle manages formal reports of sexual assault and sexual harassment under the Code of Conduct which supports the principles of natural justice for all parties.
- The University of Newcastle initiatives under our Governance, Prevention and Response frameworks are guided by our Safe and Respectful Communities Advisory and Working Groups. These teams function to develop and support practices that reflect institutional and community needs and expectations.
- The University of Newcastle has rolled out a number Sex, Safety and Respect Workshops across a number of groups (including academic and professional staff, and on-campus living students).
- The Student Living Support team have commenced a program within their community that is guided by a strong evidence base and which incorporates the ongoing student experience to influence and shape intervention. This program is delivered via a peer based model of support and evolving education that remains contemporary to the community needs and wants.
- Staff undertake a Responding to Disclosures education module which is further supported with face to face education by the team at Campus Care who are able to tailor bespoke education based on the needs of the various communities that are supported within the university environment.
- Our Campus Care team continues to dedicate specialist support to the student and staff communities in responding to disclosures and reports of sexual assault and sexual harassment. Campus Care works closely with the University Counselling and Wellbeing teams, the Student Living Support team, the Office of Student Advocacy and the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in ensuring that support and access to options of reporting are made accessible and safe for students.
- Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) have committed to regular professional development, to ensure clinicians respond in a consistent client-centred and trauma informed approach, as recommended by research and specialist sexual assault services.
Results from the 2021 National Student Safety Survey (NSSS) will be released on Wednesday 23 March 2022.
The survey was conducted by the Social Research Centre (SRC) in partnership with leading violence prevention expert Associate Professor Anastasia Powell of RMIT University.
A national quantitative report, a national qualitative report and an individual quantitative report for each university will be published in PDF format.
Yes. In line with global best practice and expert recommendations, the 2021 survey introduced behavioural questions, stronger measures of prevalence that enable comparison with national and international datasets, and open-ended questions allowing students to anonymously share their experiences.
For this reason, prevalence rates from the 2021 survey are not directly comparable with results from the 2016 survey.
For more information please see these Frequently asked questions:
Support available
1800RESPECT - The national sexual assault, family and domestic counselling service, available 24 hours, 7 days a week on 1800 737 732
MensLine Australia - The telephone and online counselling service for men with emotional health and relationship concerns, including issues of violence, on 1300 78 99 78
Men’s Referral Service - Men’s family violence telephone counselling, information and referral service for men using or at risk of using violent or controlling behaviour on 1300 766 491
QLife - An anonymous and free peer support and referral service for the LGBTI community, on 1800 184 527
Support at the University of Newcastle
- Campus Care
- Counselling service
- University of Newcastle After-Hours Support line
- Health Services - Make a confidential appointment with a doctor at Callaghan Campus or Central Coast Campus.
Report Here
External Support
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.