Eighteen per cent of the 803 Charles Sturt University survey participants reported they had been sexually harassed at university and 3.3 per cent had been sexually assaulted at university in 2015/2016.

CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann welcomed the release of the national report and thanked everyone that participated in the survey as it has provided valuable information for the university to act on immediately.

"The survey and its findings are critical to raising the profile of the prevalence of sexual assault and sexual harassment at Australian universities," he said.

"Importantly, Charles Sturt University acknowledges that behind the data are individuals who are survivors and victims of sexual assault and sexual harassment. They are in the forefront of our minds as we work to ensure the University is a safe and respectful place to study and learn.

"This behaviour is unacceptable. Sexual assault is a crime and we will be redoubling our efforts to reduce these numbers through a broad range of initiatives.”

The Commission provided nine recommendations to universities for reform and further work to improve the prevention of and response to sexual assault and sexual harassment in Australian universities.

Charles Sturt University will be adopting all the Commission's recommendations.

Professor Vann said more than 100 key front-line CSU staff have completed online training, ‘Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence’. 

He said the training was designed to give staff the information they need to provide the support and assistance to a sexual assault survivor.

 All staff will complete this training by 2018.

In addition, CSU has established the Sexual Assault Resource Group (SARG) as a key contact point for all staff if they receive a sexual assault or sexual harassment report. Its main aim is to act as a resource for other staff to whom disclosure has occurred.

New protocols have also been developed by CSU for staff to respond to a disclosure of sexual assault from students including current, recent or historic allegations.

Update: 11.30am

Charles Sturt University vice-chancellor professor Andrew Vann says the university will take immediate action, following the Commission’s findings. 

More than 800 CSU students responded to the commission, participating in the nation-wide survey. 

According to the report, 18 per cent of participants had been sexually harassed and more than three per cent had been sexually assaulted at university between 2015 and 2016.

Mr Vann said the university would adopt all nine of the Commission's recommendations.

Important contacts if you or someone you know is in need of support at Charles Sturt University. 

In an emergency, students should call Triple Zero (000).

Dial '400' from any internal CSU phone for Campus Security, 24-hours a day.

Register with the Campus Security System, CSU Safe by texting the student's campus to 0409 513 136, and save the link to their home screen for urgent help, call back or security escort requests.

Urgent CSU Counselling on 1800 961 991

Access CSU Counselling by making an appointment through the Student Portal 

Contact National Universities 24/7 Support Line on 1800 572 224

Contact NSW Rape Crisis for 24-hour crisis counselling on 1800 424 017

Contact 1800 RESPECT or 1800 737 732 for 24-hour support

Lodge a CSU Complaint to the University Ombudsman by email ombudsman@csu.edu.au or telephone (02) 6933 4259 (see CSU Complaints Policy)

Confidential free, short term counselling services for staff are available through the Employee Assistance Program 1300 361 008 (24 hours).

Update: 10.45

One submission read: 

“We need to stop slut shaming, or saying that individuals are lying about being assaulted, or making them think they deserved it.” 

According to the report: 

“Students face a range of barriers, both structural and attitudinal, to reporting or seeking support following sexual assault or sexual harassment. In addition, students who did report were often unsatisfied with the response of their university.”

Update: 10.30am

The Commission has found women at university were three times as likely as men to be sexually assaulted in 2015 or 2016. 

More than half of all university students were sexually harassed on at least one occasion across 2016.

Almost all students who were sexually harassed and 84 per cent of students who were sexually assaulted did not make a formal complaint. 

Read more HERE.

Change the course: National report on sexual assault and sexual harassment at Australian universities can be read HERE.

Earlier

Findings from the Human Rights Commission into sexual assault and harassment at universities across Australia are being released this morning. 

More than 30,000 university students from all 39 Australian universities participated in the investigation, including students from Charles Sturt University. 

Submissions highlighted how incidences of sexual assault and harassment impacted students’ studies and their lives. 

More to come