Why most university sexual assault victims never report to their institution
Only 5.6% of sexually assaulted students report to their university. Most want restorative justice instead of formal discipline.
About one in six Australian university students experience sexual harassment since starting uni. One in 20 experience sexual assault.
Most students who experience sexual harm never report through formal university channels. Many want the person responsible to acknowledge the harm and understand consent.
They don't want criminal or formal punishment. Restorative justice is a process led by victims.
It focuses on accountability and repair. It is used informally at some universities.
But it is not widely available. The Australian Law Reform Commission recommended making restorative justice for sexual violence widely available.
Federal universities must now offer support options for students who report sexual harm. Many lack the resources to do so safely.
Why it mattersMost students who experience sexual assault never get justice or accountability. Formal systems don't match what victims want or need.
AustraliaAustralian universities must now offer alternative pathways under new federal law, but implementation is uneven. This affects every university student in the country who has experienced or witnessed sexual harm.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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