The findings of the second National Survey of Student Safety, which were released earlier today, demonstrate that universities, colleges and student residences across Australia have a lot of work to do, according to St John’s College Warden Rose Alwyn.

“It is no comfort to hear that the university is ‘no better’ than the rest of Australian society when it comes to sexual misconduct. Our universities and student residences should be leading the nation,” she said.

“There is no place for sexual harassment and assault at our College. Everyone in our community has the right to expect that they will be safe wherever they study, live, work and socialise.”

Ms Alwyn said St John’s was focused on leading by example.

“Cultural change takes time and effort. We are committed to strengthening our education awareness and prevention programs, as well as providing compassion and support to victim-survivors. We look forward to progressing our forward-looking review of College culture and remain committed to promoting a culture of respect, gender equality, safety, inclusion and support for all members of our community,” she said.

Last month, the College announced that an independent review of culture and behaviours would be undertaken by Ms Elizabeth Jameson AM and Dr Christina Turner. That review is now underway and College students and other stakeholders have been invited to participate in focus groups and other research tools.

In recent weeks, the College has published a range of policies on its website that clearly set out the Code of Conduct and expectations regarding harassment, bullying and the use of drugs and alcohol. 

The survey of 44,000 students across 38 members of Universities Australia was undertaken in 2021 by the Social Research Centre. The full results can be accessed here.

If any St John’s student, past or present, has experienced or witnessed sexual assault or harassment at the College then we urge them to immediately make a police report and provide details in confidence to the College to allow for an immediate investigation.