Statement: National Student Safety Survey

Statement attributable to RMIT Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Alec Cameron

“RMIT is committed to creating a culture where everyone feels safe, respected and included.

“Any experience of sexual assault and sexual harassment that occurs in or out of our university communities is one too many. 

“The latest National Student Safety Survey (NSSSS) results show that while progress has been made since the previous survey in 2017, there’s more to do.  

“As we reflect on the findings and work through the detailed data, we’ll engage with our community to ensure our resources are directed to where they can make the most meaningful difference in preventing sexual harm and supporting those who experience it.

“There is no question that it is RMIT’s responsibility to ensure our students and our staff have adequate support and know where to turn to for help.

“We must stand together in our commitment to robust prevention and response interventions and not allow the burden for the prevention of violence to fall to the victims and survivors. 

“It’s also our responsibility to understand what’s happening in society in relation to sexual harm and violence which is disproportionately experienced by women and girls and for others in our community who experience harassment or discrimination related to their race, disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation.  

“We are grateful to everyone who took the time to complete the survey or shared their views via the Social Research Centre. We know that for many of you, it may have caused distress and we are sorry for your lived experience – please know that your contribution will help make RMIT a safer place for everyone.

"As communities of learning, our goal must be to eliminate sexual harm, gender-based violence and inappropriate behaviour - we should accept nothing less.”

RMIT’s National Student Safety Survey results can be accessed here. 

The national results can be accessed here.