Content Warning: Mentions of Sexual Assault and Harassment  

Survivors have spoken up from Southbank campus about a situation that is endemic at the University of Melbourne. UMSU would like to firstly acknowledge its solidarity and support for these survivors – while knowing that there are more with unspoken stories. Additionally, through inaction and empty promises the University is endorsing a poor industry standard in the arts and encouraging a culture of exploitation. This is only just one example of the university turning a blind eye to sexual misconduct.

It is clear that there is a broken relationship between students and the University. Reporting through University avenues remains inaccessible, and it has been highlighted that there is a level of low trust within these processes. Survivors  may be forced to retraumatised themselves or are completely discouraged in coming forward. Frankly, this isn’t good enough.

The University now has a stand-alone Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Policy, established late last year after years of advocacy from UMSU. This, on paper, is a commitment from the university to take preventative and responsive action to sexual misconduct on campus. Promises, however, are clearly not enough. To establish trust within reporting systems and processes, students must feel assured that their trust will be met with consistent outcomes, and that their safety and wellbeing will be prioritised at every step. This is not a process that can take years - students are being harmed on campus now.

UMSU has identified that there is a need for an independent service for students, away from the University, as it is an institution with a history of failing survivors. UMSU has two Sexual Harm and Response Coordinators that provide trauma-informed and survivor-centric advice. Further to this, the UMSU Advocacy Service provides expert support and assistance to students in writing complaints and navigating the University’s processes to ensure that the process is more accessible.  

UMSU Women’s advocates for trauma-informed safety services on campus - contributing to policy, facilitating campaigns, and platforming the experiences of survivors. 

UMSU Women’s advocacy acknowledges people's experiences of sexual assault and harassment is intersectional and layered. 

We urge that the University do better and truly commit to a zero tolerance policy. Policy and programs don’t mean anything if they continue to fail victims.
 

Centre for Sexual Assault (CASA) 

CASA provides specialist therapeutic and advocacy support to survivors of sexual assault. They have a 24 hour, 7 day a week counseling line which can be accessed free of charge. 

Phone:  03 9635 3610

1800Respect 

This is a free and confidential sexual assault, domestic and family violence support service. They have a 24 hour, 7 day a week phone line, online chat function, and an interpreter service:
https://www.1800respect.org.au/

UMSU Sexual Harm and Response Coordinators

UMSU Sexual Harm and Response Coordinators provide support and advocate for victim-survivors of sexual assault and harassment. 

Email : naomi.smith@union.unimelb.edu.au, lauren.kingsley@union.unimelb.edu.au