Content warning: This post contains themes of sexual assault some readers may find triggering.
Being a university student is sometimes described as the best years of one’s life – full of opportunity, education, and freedom.
Unfortunately for some, the experience is not a positive one.
This week, the Australian Human Rights Commission (the Commission) released a report on sexual assault and harassment of university students. The report details disturbing instances of sexual assault and harassment. The impact on survivors has at times been catastrophic. Most concerning, however, is the response by some universities and colleges to reports of abuse.
Sadly, this is an old story that has been re-told over generations.
In 1977, 18-year-old student Annette Louise Morgan was found bashed, raped and murdered on St Paul’s Oval on University grounds. Police believe that her killer used his fists and hands to strangle her.
The then warden of St Paul’s College told the media of the shock and devastation he felt at her death. But just weeks later, St Paul’s College students awarded the annual “Animal Act of the Year Award” to one of four male students accused of gang-raping a student from The Women’s College. Nobody was charged. It was business as usual for the College.
Four decades on and little has been done to correct this vile culture of abuse.
Top Comments
Just last semester, a tutor of mine had complaints against him sent to his superior by myself, a friend and a number of other female students across the subject for sexual harassment including comments, leering and social media stalking.
His superior not only dismissed our claims but actually told him the names of the students who had made complaints which led to what we believe unfair grading of our final assessments.
I have since found out that this tutor has connections to a guest lecturer that his superior values and as such, I believe any complaints will never be taken seriously or lead to any consequences for him.
This sort of action is what leads many students who have been harassed and/or assaulted to not report to some university staff because we know that their priorities don't always include the comfort and safety of all students
Can't comment as to the veracity as we don't know the details, but why would you not expect your name to be made known to the accused if you put in a written complaint against him?
A person has the right to confront their accusers.
The Chicago Tribune recently published a very thought provoking editorial, "Campus rape? Call the Police".
Police and the courts have no interest in protecting universities reputations or in displaying bias towards either the accused or the accuser and ultimately are the best trained, resourced and equiped to investigate, gather evidence and prove the truth.
Universities already offer a wide range of student support services. If they see the need and opportunity to do better, all for that, but sexual assault is a serious crime and belongs with law enforcement, not admin officers.