National violence prevention organisation Our Watch welcomes Monday's historic passing of the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence.
For the first time, Australian universities and university-operated student accommodation providers will be legally required to not only to respond to violence, but also to take action to prevent violence before it occurs by creating safe and respectful environments.
The National Code follows the release of the Action Plan Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Higher Education in February 2024 which sets clear standards in leadership and governance, education and training.
The code is a result of decades of tireless campaigning from students, higher education and advocacy groups and experts calling for more government action.
Our Watch CEO Patty Kinnersly said the new regulations demonstrate a crucial shift in placing the emphasis on organisational and cultural change that will benefit both staff and students.
"1 in 6 students have experienced sexual harassment, on campus, in their university, or in a residency that they call home, and almost 1 in 3 (29%) university staff have reported personal experiences of sexual harassment.
"No-one should ever fear for their safety where they work, study, or live.
"Gender-based violence can prevented through whole-of-institutional change that addresses the drivers of violence such as gender inequality, disrespect and rigid gender stereotypes.
"This looks like teaching and implementing respectful relationships education, student and staff support, a focus on accurate data and reporting; and trauma-informed, person-centred responses.
"The National Code makes it clear: prevention is not optional, it's a core responsibility for every higher education and student accommodation provider," Kinnersly said.
Our Watch will continue to work with universities across Australia to create safe and respectful communities, supporting the sector to take evidence-based, tangible steps towards preventing gender-based violence before it occurs.
Since 2019 Our Watch has worked with universities across the country, delivering training and webinars with prevention teams, leaders and staff driving organisational change in their institutions. This year Our Watch has delivered 9 training sessions to 136 executive leaders, including Vice Chancellors, from universities in every state and territory.
