A decision by the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) not to publicly release data on individual universities nor make recommendations as a result of a study into sexual assault on-campus has been reversed.
Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Kate Jenkins, today publicly announced in the Sydney Morning Herald the AHRC will be providing individual tertiary education institutions with the results from their institution.
Member for Maitland and Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jenny Aitchison, had expressed outrage over the AHRC's initial decision to not release information from the survey or submissions received.
"Without recommendations being released, the report is a betrayal of the thousands of students who have come forward with their stories in the hope of stopping the same thing happening to other students," Ms Aitchison said.
As part of the study, five years worth of data from freedom-of-information requests was collated, as well as student experiences as part of the advocacy group End Rape on Campus Australia's submission to the AHRC.
Between 2014 and 2016, 14 official complaints of sexual assault were made to the University of Newcastle. However, it is estimated many victims have not come forward.
In an interview with 2NURFM, Jenny Aitchison said while overturning the original decision is a step forward, it is imperative the data is released to the public.
"The Sex Discrimination Commissioner today said they will be providing individual universities with data about their institutions. Now we have reservations around that, because we think that part of the issue with universities is that there has been a tendency to hold this information within the institution...rather than releasing it to the students and members of the community."
A national report containing the submissions is set to be released to the public sometime mid-year. To ensure confidentiality stories will use de-identified quotes.
It is hoped that by releasing these submissions it will paint a more accurate picture of the devastating effects of sexual assault.
The Commission will now also be making recommendations on areas of action, reform and best practice response to assault and harassment at universities.
"We can see that without a clear path to move away from this culture of sexual assault on campus we won't be getting anywhere. So we want to support the Australian Human Rights Commission to make those recommendations," said Ms Aitchison.
 |
| Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jenny Aitchison |
