The National Student Safety Survey is an initiative of Universities Australia and is being run by the Social Research Centre. The results from the survey will help universities across Australia better understand students’ perceptions of safety and their views on campus life. 

Who will be asked to participate? 

Students will be randomly selected to take part. This is to ensure there is representation across all genders and levels of study, as well as a mix of domestic and international students.  

While not all students will be selected to participate, Universities Australia want to give everyone the opportunity to tell their story in their own words.  

Anyone who has experienced sexual harassment, sexual assault or other unwanted sexual behaviour will be invited to make a confidential submission online. These will be compiled by the Social Research Centre and key themes will provide context of actual experience to support the survey data and inform university decision-making. More information on how to share your experience will be made available on 6 September.  

All responses will be completely anonymous and confidential. 

How are the survey results used? 

The first national survey was run in 2016. The results collected from more than 30,000 students Australia-wide were used to make significant and meaningful changes at Australian universities.  

Murdoch University is committed to ensuring our community is free from sexual harm and takes the issue seriously. In response to the 2016 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. 
• Mandatory consent training for all students living 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. 

The results from the 2021 survey will help inform how we can continue working towards making universities safer places for students not only now, but into the future. 

Making a disclosure 

If you have experienced, witnessed or being informed of sexual harm you can make a confidential and anonymous disclosure - 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 

The Murdoch University Counelling Service is free and confidential, available Monday – Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm. For urgent support, 24-hour services are available.