Preventing gender based violence at our University

Discussing gender-based violence can be disruptive and triggering - especially for those directly impacted. We want our students and staff to know that in coming forward to discuss your story, you will be believed and supported.

We want to ensure zero instances of sexual assault and sexual harassment at our University, with a zero tolerance approach.

Gender-based violence is defined as any form of physical or non-physical violence or abuse by a person that is underpinned by gender-based power inequalities, rigid gender norms and gender-based discrimination that results in, or is likely to result in, harm, coercion, control, fear or deprivation of liberty and autonomy.

Gender-based violence includes sexual assault, rape, and sexual harassment.

Our approach towards gender-based violence is:

• Zero tolerance – sexual assault and sexual harassment is never okay and will not be tolerated.
• Preventative – we take a whole-of-university approach to changing the norms and behaviours that promote violence and discrimination. We empower bystander intervention to reduce occurrences of sexual assault and sexual harassment (where safe to do so).
• Victim/survivor centric – where people feel empowered to make the best choices for themselves and choose their own pathway forward.
• Trauma-informed – sensitive to understanding and responding to sexual assault and sexual harassment matters in accordance with principles of trauma-informed practice.
• Timely and confidential – responses to sexual assault and sexual harassment that are efficient and prioritise confidentiality.
• Not time restricted – all matters will be supported, including matters that are historical (in the past) or current.
• Collaborative and supportive – community members can seek information and support about sexual assault and sexual harassment from the Safe and Fair Community Unit.

2024 Independent review

A review of our governance, processes, and procedures in preventing and responding to sexual assault and sexual harassment on our campuses has recently been completed by Lyn Walker, a highly regarded leader in this field.

The final report is now available, with recommendations of the key priorities the University needs to address. A newly created Safety Taskforce comprising of students and staff will develop a Safety Action Plan to address all the recommendations in the report which will be released in semester two of 2024.

Review of University of Tasmania Activity in Addressing Gender Based Violence (by Lyn Walker) (PDF 2.0 MB)

The review is focused on:

• Ensuring greater oversight, transparency, and accountability on how we reduce instances of gendered-based violence;
• Greater coordination and investment in prevention programs that work;
• Continued focus in promoting gender equality and its link to reducing gender-based violence;
• Changes to disclosure and reporting pathways and;
• Strengthening links with specialists and community-based experts to improve how we prevent and respond to gender-based violence.

University Council and our University Executive Team fully support and endorse all the recommendations. They provide an important roadmap for the University to meet the obligations of the National Action Plan to Address Gender Based Violence in Higher Education and to improve the experience of our community.

We thank students, staff and survivors for sharing their experiences. It continues to help us create a stronger, safer University of Tasmania community.