RMIT University continues to strengthen its efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence, with the release of the Addressing Gender-Based Violence Annual Report 2025.
The report outlines key progress areas, deepening engagement across the University, and continued improvements in reporting transparency and accountability. It reflects our long-standing commitment to sector-wide best practice and accountable leadership in creating safe and inclusive environments for all.
The report measures progress against the strategic goals set out in our Addressing Gender-Based Violence Strategic Action Plan 2023-2027. It also outlines our pathway towards strengthening our alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (National Code), including its requirement of a whole-of-organisation approach, which commenced on 1 January 2026.
Detailed information on disclosures of sexual harm and family violence the support provided, and any formal actions taken, is outlined within the report.
RMIT provides trauma-informed support to staff and students regardless of where harm occurs. This means disclosures of gender-based violence unconnected to RMIT, such as family violence or incidents in personal relationships, have been captured in our data.
Combined with our large, open CBD campus environment, this means our figures reflect a wide picture of the experiences of our diverse community, both within and beyond the university context.
In 2025, RMIT's Safer Community team received 252 disclosures of sexual harm and family violence (relating to 247 respondents), a 37 per cent increase from 185 in 2024.
Increased reporting from both students and staff to Safer Community suggests improved trust and awareness across our university community. The increased reporting from both students and staff to Safer Community may reflect improved trust and awareness across our university community as they have actively promoted support services this year.
While any disclosure is a cause for concern, disclosures provide assurance that those experiencing harm know where to go for support and have confidence in our processes.
RMIT remains committed to driving long-term cultural change, ensuring that safety and respect are embedded across the University.
We have made meaningful progress to consolidate the many initiatives that have already been taken by RMIT in recent years into of our whole-of-organisation approach; and our work continues to evolve to meet the needs of our students and staff and to strengthen our data-driven insights and compliance with the National Code.
The release of this report coincides with Respect Week (27 April to 1 May), which promotes respect and gender-based violence prevention across the university and TAFE community.
Together, they reflect RMIT's ongoing commitment to a culture where everyone feels safe, respected and supported. View RMIT's Respect Week webpage
