The University of Canberra (UC) has adopted improved student support services, better staff training, new policies and stronger prevention initiatives as its response to a national report on sexual harassment and assault in Australian universities.
Acting Vice-Chancellor, Nick Klomp said that in the 12 months since the national student survey, UC had taken significant steps to continue its efforts to protect students against, and provide support to victims of, sexual harassment and sexual assault.
“Providing a safe and respectful environment for all students remains the university’s greatest priority. No one should be made to feel unsafe in their community,” Professor Klomp said.
“The University of Canberra has always strived to create a safe and respectful environment and we remain committed to fostering that culture on and off campus.”
He said that in the past 12 months UC had increased efforts to address the issues that were preventing some members of its community from feeling safe where they studied, worked and lived.
“The University of Canberra has undertaken a series of initiatives in the past year to build on those already in place to prevent sexual harassment and sexual assault, and to support those who have been affected,” Professor Klomp said.
He said these included the establishment of a dedicated Respect.Now.Always Committee; the engagement of former Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick to undertake a review into the culture within UC; and a series of training programs being delivered to students and staff.
There had also been upgrades to UC’s security network leading to a more comprehensive CCTV network with a 24/7 control room complementing the team of security officers who patrolled the campus around the clock, Professor Klomp said.
