Changing the Rules: responding to sexual assault in an Australian university

Abstract

Research concerned with sexual assault in Australian and overseas university populations has produced prevalence data that are highly variable. Definitional dilemmas and methodological differences have made it difficult to estimate the extent of the problem within campus populations. In this study a cooperative multi‐sectoral monitoring data system was developed, providing an efficient and effective way of recording reports of sexual assault on one university campus. This monitoring system produced useful information on the scope and nature of the problem within a particular campus community. This study has wider implications for Australian university campus safety and sexual assault policies and protocols as well as prevention initiatives.