BY HIMANGI SINGH AND MARLA SOMMER

Monash University has ranked 12th for the prevalence of sexual assault and 23rd for sexual harassment from 39 Australian universities, according to the National Student Safety Survey (NSSS). 

Figures revealed 41 per cent of Monash students have little or no knowledge of where to seek assistance for sexual harassment and 37.8 per cent know nothing, or very little, about where to seek support for sexual assault.

President of the Monash Student Association (MSA) Ishka De Silva said the information on reporting and preventing sexual assault and harassment was available but it is not enough.

“Students are constantly being overloaded with information. We'd like to see calls being made to first-year students to check in with them and also let them know about all the support services that Monash offers,” Ms De Silva said.

“MSA also recommends that classes begin with a slide of information on sexual assault, or harassment, along with some training for staff on what to do if students ask them where to seek assistance.” 

A Monash University spokesperson said compulsory training, including Respect At Monash modules for both staff and students, was an essential component in keeping the community safe but it was not the sole solution. 

“We need multiple different types of interventions which are offered through Respectful Communities. We will continue to develop and expand our prevention commitment to ensure we achieve behaviour and culture change over time,” the spokesperson said.

Another Monash University spokesperson said the university's website and communications were constantly being updated and reviewed to improve access and awareness.

“We're committed to a cycle of continuous monitoring and review to ensure our website and promotional information about key services are regularly updated and remain relevant for our community.”

The  Safer Community Unit was established to support students and connect them to the appropriate service that exists within Monash University.

However, Ms De Silva said she felt there was a lack of awareness of the Safer Community Unit and that should change. 

“The Safer Community Unit is a part of the university that's been created for students when they experience sexual harassment and assault and also when they experience any kind of violence or anything that threatens their safety on campus,” she said.

The 2021 NSSS report also revealed 38.5 per cent of Monash students experienced sexual harassment in general campus areas, which included Monash Residential Services.

The MSA has drafted a proposal in an attempt to make Monash Residential Services more accountable.

“We would like for a student representative to be included in student misconduct panels, eviction panels, and hiring panels so that the representatives can share the voice and perspective of Monash students,” Ms De Silva said.

MSA has also proposed an independent external body to review the practices of Monash Residential Services. 

“It’s important that the practices of MRS [Monash Residential Services] are reviewed. It's always good to have an independent body that can make recommendations,” she said.

Earlier this year MSA led a joint submission to the university, in conjunction with MONSU Caulfield and MONSU Peninsula, asking the university to implement a model of affirmative consent. 

“Currently in the university sexual misconduct policy the consent definition is that the respondent reasonably believes that the complainant freely consented, but we think that needs to become an affirmative consent,” Ms De Silva said.

“We believe the alleged perpetrator needs to have actively sought consent.” 

The joint submission letter was successful in gaining support from Respectful Communities and Safer Communities. 

MSA will make a submission to the next Respect Now Always committee meeting and hopes that in the next few months Monash will move to an affirmative consent model. 

If you have experienced sexual harassment, or assault, on campus you are not alone.

For information on how to report sexual harassment please click here and for information on sexual assault please click here.