If you were studying at Murdoch University last year, you may have been asked to participate in the National Student Safety Survey.

This survey was designed to better understand your experiences and measure the prevalence of sexual assault and sexual harassment among students at all Australian universities.

To those from Murdoch University who took part and shared their stories, thank you for your courage in doing so. Your feedback will help shape our decision-making and inform our future actions.

The results from this survey are scheduled to be released on Wednesday, 23 March. Once these are available, they will be shared with you via email and the Student Portal. A copy of the report will also be placed onto our website.

We recognise this report may be triggering for some – especially those who have shared their stories, experienced or witnessed sexual harm, or who have supported their friends and family.

If you need support during the week, remember you are not alone and please reach out.

Appointments can be booked through the Murdoch University Medical Service and Counselling Service. There is also a range of 24-hour and specialist services available, including:

• Sexual Assault Resource Centre (1800 199 888)
• 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
• QLife (1800 184 527, 3pm to midnight)
• 13 YARN (13 92 76)
• Lifeline (13 11 14)
• Beyond Blue (1300 224 636)

Through these services, you will be able to access confidential information, counselling and support, should you need it.

What is Murdoch doing to address sexual harm?

Murdoch University is committed to ensuring our community is free from sexual harm and takes the issue seriously. The findings from the survey will be used to inform future actions to better prevent and respond to incidents of sexual harm.

In response to the 2016 Respect. Now. Always. Survey we implemented several initiatives to protect and support our students and staff, including:  

• The ability to anonymously and confidentially report incidents online, and through the Murdoch Safe app, to appropriately trained staff who can then provide support. 
• Improved CCTV coverage and lighting on campus. 
• Development of a new Sexual Harm Policy and Procedure that uses best practice and trauma-informed approaches to support those who have experienced sexual harm.  
• Active bystander training for staff and students to demonstrate how to effectively intervene in incidents of harassment and discrimination. 
• Specialised education for staff to help them respond to disclosures of sexual harm. 
• Access to advice to help support someone who has experienced an incident of sexual harm. 

We will use the 2021 report to build on these initiatives and implement new ones.

We believe there is always room for improvement and are committed to continue to work, with our students as partners, towards making Murdoch University a safer place for all students – not only now, but into the future. 

Making a disclosure 

You can make a confidential and anonymous disclosure if you experience, witness or are informed of sexual harm. If you are not sure what to do, there is a guide to help you through this process.

Your disclosure will be received by a team of trained staff who, if you provide contact details, will assist you to access supports and make decisions about follow-up actions you would like. 

Health and support services 

If you have experienced, witnessed or been informed of sexual harm it’s important to remember you are not alone, and you will be supported.

On campus, the Murdoch University Medical Service and Counselling Service can generally offer an appointment within two working days. For urgent situations, the Medical Service provides walk-in appointments with a nurse and there is a range of 24-hour services available to you.