FAQs about sexual assault and harassment submissions

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FAQs

What is the closing date for submissions?

Submissions closed on Friday, 2 December 2016. If you would like to contact us about an extension of time, please email universitiesproject@humanrights.gov.au.

Do I have to be a currently enrolled student to make a submission?

No. The submission process is open to anyone who would like to share their views on sexual assault and sexual harassment at university or of university students. This includes current and former students, university staff and parents.

Can organisations or groups make a submission?

Yes, we are happy to hear from anyone who would like to share their views on these issues.

How is the submissions process different to the National university student survey of sexual assault and sexual harassment?

This submissions process is separate but related to the National university student survey of sexual assault and sexual harassment being conducted by the Commission. If you have responded to that survey, you are still free to make a submission here. If you have not received an invitation to participate in the survey but would like to have your say, you can do so by making a submission.

What will my submission be used for?

Information collected through submissions will be used for the purposes of understanding issues related to sexual assault and sexual harassment at university.

The Australian Human Rights Commission will publish a report in 2017 on the issues identified through the submissions and the National university student survey of sexual assault and sexual harassment.

Information collected through submissions will be used for the purposes of understanding issues related to sexual assault and sexual harassment at university and may be drawn upon, quoted or referred to in report(s) prepared by the Australian Human Rights Commission.

By providing us with a submission you agree that we may use de-identified extracts of your submission.  Nothing that we use from your submission will allow you to be identified. We will not publish your name, email address or other identifying details.

Do I have to use the online form to make a submission?

No, the online form is there as a guide. We are happy to take submissions in any format including: by email, by post, over the phone or in any other format you choose. You can also download a word version to complete and save to come back to if you would prefer to take your time completing the submission.

Can I support someone else to make a submission?

Yes, we are more than happy for individuals or organisations to provide support to individuals to make a submission.

Can I make a submission if it is not my personal experience, but something I witnessed or heard of happening to another person (for example a friend or a family member)?

Yes, you can.

Can I obtain a copy of my submission after I have submitted it?

Yes, if you would like a copy of your submission, please email us at universitiesproject@humanrights.gov.au.

Why do you need my name and email address?

The submissions form asks for your name and email address in case we need to contact you about your submission. We will not publish this information or provide it to anyone.

Circumstances in which we would contact you regarding your submission include:

• To provide you with information about support services available to you; and
• To notify you of the publication of our report.

We also collect this information so that, if at any point you would like to withdraw or obtain a copy of your submission, we can withdraw it/provide it to you. You are welcome to use a pseudonym if you prefer but you must remember what pseudonym you used.

What support is available to me if I become distressed during or after making a submission?

Making a submission about an experience of sexual assault and/or harassment can be distressing. If you decide to make a submission but find that either during or after completing the submission, that relaying the experience(s) of sexual assault and/or harassment is causing you distress, you can access counselling support through:

• 1800RESPECT (24/7 national sexual assault and domestic and family violence counselling service);
• Your university’s on-campus counselling service;
• Local sexual assault service/rape crisis centre.

A list of Sexual Assault Services is available.

If you want any further information concerning this project or if you have any problems which may be related to your involvement in the project, you can contact the Commission by email: universitiesproject@humanrights.gov.au or phone: (02) 9284 9600.

If you would like more information about sexual harassment, or you would like to make a complaint of sexual harassment to the Australian Human Rights Commission, you can contact the National Information Service:

Phone: 1300 656 419 or 02 9284 9888
Email: infoservice@humanrights.gov.au
Fax: 02 9284 9611
TTY: 1800 620 241 (toll free)
National Relay Service: 1300 555 727 (Speak and Listen) or NRS AccessHub
Translating and Interpreting Service: 131 450 or TIS National
You can also make a complaint online.