Results of the 2021 National Student Safety Survey
The National Student Safety Survey (NSSS) is a sector-wide survey under Universities Australia’s Respect. Now. Always. initiative, which aims to measure student perceptions of safety at Australian universities and experiences relating to sexual assault and sexual harassment. The 2021 NSSS builds on the foundational 2016 National Student Survey and Change the Course Report released in 2017.
In late 2021 the NSSS was conducted by the independent Social Research Centre, which surveyed a representative sample of students at Australian Universities. It was completed by 43,819 students from 38 universities, including 1052 UOW students.
The results of the 2021 NSSS are now available via the links below.
UOW thanks all students who participated in the survey and applauds the courage of victim-survivors who shared their experiences. To every person who has experienced sexual harassment and sexual assault, we are deeply sorry. We are sorry for what you endured and how that may have affected your relationships, your mental health, your studies, and your life. Every person who attends university has the right to be safe and feel safe, and the right to believe they will be treated with respect, dignity, and fairness.
We will reflect on these results, engage with our community, and work with our staff, students, and community partners to build on UOW’s Action Plan and respond to the survey results and the key action areas in the reports.
We know what we are sharing will be distressing and potentially retraumatising for many in our community. If you would like to speak to somebody for support, we encourage you to please reach out.