2023-10-12
The National Tertiary Education Union’s survey report report, released 12 October, shows sexual harassment in higher education workplaces has jumped more than 52% and demonstrates sexual assault at universities has only gotten worse since the NTEU’s previous report in 2018. More than 2000 people participated in the research.
Some key data from the report:
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Number of staff who have personally experienced sexual harassment has increased from 19% in 2018 to 29% in 2023 - a rise of almost 53%.
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Women continue to bear the brunt with 38% of respondents reporting personal experiences of harassment.
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Staff who were aware of others who had experienced sexual assault had increased from 36% in 2018 to 50% in 2023.
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Only 13% of those experiencing harassment made a formal complaint, with 46% of those not complaining at all. 52% were encouraged to drop their complaints and 44% faced negative consequences from their employers.
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People who personally experienced sexual harassment in the workplace had higher levels for women (38%) compared to men (14%) and 33% of non-binary people reporting personal incidents.
Quotes attributable to Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of The Greens and spokesperson for Education:
“Staff and students at universities are even more at risk of sexual harassment and violence. The situation is bleak and only getting worse, especially for women and non-binary people.
“Thanks to the NTEU, this report shines a light on the scale of sexual harassment in university workplaces and the urgent need for action. Together we need to push universities and the government to do more to ensure a safe workplace for staff.
“Time for the Government to pay attention and create an independent authority with powers to monitor,evaluate and hold universities to account.
“Every uni student and staff member has the right to study and work in a safe and respectful environment without fear of being sexually assaulted or harassed.”
FARUQI:
Connor Parissis | 0474 437 111