As part of this initiative, universities asked student survivors of sexual assault and sexual harassment to tell their stories to the Australian Human Rights Commission.

The submission reported by media outlets this morning was made as part of this process.

Universities also asked the Commission to conduct a large-scale prevalence survey to understand more about the nature and scale of these issues.

All 39 of our member universities asked the Commission to do this work to guide continuing improvements in support services and policies.

The Commission will publish its report by mid-year.

The findings of this landmark survey and the submissions made through this process – which was initiated by universities – will guide further action.

Universities Australia again takes this opportunity to thank survivors who have told their stories through this process.

Sexual assault and sexual harassment are utterly unacceptable.

With one in five women in Australia over the age of 15 experiencing sexual violence, universities are committed to doing their part to make campuses and student life the safest they can be.