AHRC Recommendations Response
Our response to the AHRC 'Change the Course' report recommendations
Here’s how we’re taking action on the nine recommendations made in the AHRC ‘Change the Course’ report on Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment at Australian Universities.
Recommendation One: Establish an advisory committee
Chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, the Monash Respect. Now. Always Advisory Committee meets quarterly to oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the AHRC ‘Change the Course’ report.
Recommendation
Vice Chancellors should take direct responsibility for the implementation of these recommendations, including decision-making and monitoring and evaluation of actions taken. To assist and advise them in this respect, Vice-Chancellors should have an advisory body within their institution which has responsibility for guiding the implementation of the recommendations made in this report. The advisory body should report directly to the Vice-Chancellor of each university and include representation from:
- The university’s senior leadership
- The student body
- Academic staff
- Residential colleges affiliated with the university
- Student services, such as: counselling services, medical services and campus security, and
- Frontline sexual assault services.
The advisory body should be responsible for developing an action plan for the implementation of these recommendations.
The development of an action plan should involve broad and extensive consultation with all relevant stakeholders from the university community and, where relevant, the wider community. The advisory body should also seek independent expertise where relevant and draw on existing research and best practice.
The advisory body should assess and publicly report on the university’s progress towards implementation of these recommendations within 18 months of the release of this report. From then on, public reporting on progress should occur on an annual basis.
Respect Now Always Advisory Committee
Respect Now Always Advisory Committee
We established the Respect Now Always (RNA) Advisory Committee in September 2017.
The RNA Advisory Committee is chaired by Monash University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Margaret Gardner OA.
The RNA Advisory Committee includes representation from Monash’s senior leadership, the student body, academic staff, residential colleges, student services and frontline sexual assault services.
- Professor Margaret Gardner (Chair) – Vice-Chancellor & President
- Professor Sue Elliott (Co-Chair) – Deputy Vice-Chancellor & Vice-President (Education)
- Mr. Vladimir Prpich – Executive Director, Campus Community Division
- Professor Sharon Pickering – Dean, Faculty of Arts
- Professor David Copolov – Pro Vice-Chancellor (Major Campuses and Student Engagement)
- Professor Andrew Walker – Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor (Malaysia)
- Professor Matthew Gillespie – Vice-Provost (Faculty and Graduate Affairs)
- Ms. Emily Spencer - Chief of Staff and Director, Office of the Vice-Chancellor and President
- Ms. Bridgid Connors – Chief Human Resources Officer
- Ms. Susan Anderson – Deputy General Counsel
- Ms. Trisha Prpich – Director, Monash Residential Services
- Mr. Andrew Marks – Director, Counselling and Mental Health Programs
- Ms. Fiona Marshall - Manager, Respectful Communities
- Mr. Sean Brito-Babapulle – Principal, Mannix College
- Ms. Jo Mithen - Chief Executive Officer, Monash College
- Ms. Mary Mass – SECASA (independent nominee)
- Student President, Monash Postgraduate Association
- Student President, MONSU Caulfield
- Student President, Monash Student Association
- Student President, MONSU Peninsula
- Student President, Monash Parkville Student Union
Documents
- RNA Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
- RNA Advisory Committee Meeting 1 Agenda - 25 September 2017
- RNA Advisory Committee Meeting 1 Minutes - 25 September 2017
- RNA Advisory Committee Meeting 2 Agenda - 14 November 2017
- RNA Advisory Committee Meeting 2 Minutes - 14 November 2017
- RNA Advisory Committee Meeting 3 Agenda - 27 August 2018
- RNA Advisory Committee Meeting 3 Minutes - 27 August 2018
- RNA Advisory Committee Meeting 4 Agenda - 23 October 2018
- RNA Advisory Committee Meeting 4 Minutes - 23 October 2018
- RNA Advisory Committee Meeting 1 Agenda - 8 April 2019
- RNA Advisory Committee Meeting 1 Minutes - 8 April 2019
- RNA Advisory Committee Meeting 2 Minutes - 12 August 2019
- RNA Advisory Committee Meeting 2 Agenda - 12 August 2019
- RNA Advisory Committee Meeting 3 Agenda - 21 October 2019
- RNA Advisory Committee Meeting 3 Minutes - 21 October 2019
Action Plan
- Establish an RNA Advisory Committee
- The RNA Advisory Committee will meet quarterly to develop an action plan to prevent and appropriately respond to sexual assault and harassment at Monash University
- We’ll report annually on Monash’s progress towards the implementation of the recommendations made in the AHRC ‘Change the Course’ report
- Implement a Respectful Relationships education program (Universities Australia 10-point action plan, item one)
- Promulgate the Universities Australia Respect. Now. Always. awareness campaign materials (Universities Australia 10-point action plan, item two)
Recommendation Two: Address drivers of sexual assault and harassment
In consultation with students, experts and the community, we’re developing and sharing education programs and resources about respectful behaviours and relationships, consent and ‘violence supportive attitudes’ and bystander intervention.
Recommendation
Universities develop a plan for addressing the drivers of sexual assault and sexual harassment that:
- Provides students and staff with education about: behaviours that constitute sexual assault and sexual harassment, consent, and respectful relationships, ‘violence supportive attitudes’ and bystander intervention, and
- Identifies existing resources and communications campaigns that reinforce key messages of education programs for dissemination to staff and students.
Education programs and communications should:
- Target all levels of the organisation – current and future students, staff, residential colleges, public transport to/from university, sports clubs, student societies and student unions
- Be based on best practice and research
- Be developed and delivered by individuals and/or organisations with expertise in sexual violence prevention
- Be developed in consultation with university students, and
- Include measures for evaluating and refining the actions taken.
Existing Monash Initiatives
Consent video
In June 2016, we produced and released a video Consent, explaining what sexual consent means, where it begins and where it ends.
The video was developed in consultation with Monash students and the South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault (SECASA).
All students are automatically enrolled in the Consent video via their Moodle accounts, and it is mandatory that they watch this video if they:
- Live at Monash’s on-campus Halls of Residence
- Attend an off-campus organised by a faculty or student based club/society.
Guides and resources
In January 2017, we developed the Be Aware – Prevention is Protection Student Safety Guide.
In July 2017, we worked with the Monash Student Association to develop and publish a What you should know resource guide. The student guide was updated in April 2018. This was a collaborative effort between the 2018 MSA Women's Officers and the Respectful Communities Unit. 'What You Should Know' now has more content to support and guide students.
Monash Residential Services (MRS) Initiatives
In January 2017, we introduced a requirement that all first year students living at Monash’s on-campus Halls of Residence must participate in the SECASA accredited Sexpectations program.
All residents also receive a support and referral information card on arrival.
Allegations of sexual offences occurring within MRS are reported to the Safer Community Unit.
In September 2017, SECASA provided frontline responders training to members of MRS residential support staff, including College Heads, Deputy College heads and Residential Support Assistants.
Download the list of current strategies employed by MRS to ensure all residents are able to foster safe and respectful relationships.
Off-campus event guidelines
In February 2016, we developed and implemented new off-campus events guidelines which include Local Incident Management Protocols (LIMPS) and training to ensure that appropriate and timely actions are taken in response to the occurrence of all incidents.
The response guidelines include the escalation to Executive Director Campus Community Division of all critical incidents – including sexual assault and harassment – that may occur at off-campus events attended by Monash students.
The LIMPs are compulsory for use by the wider university community including all Monash student organisations and their affiliated clubs and societies, affiliated sporting clubs and faculty based non-academic off-campus events.
As part of these guidelines, all sporting clubs and groups are required to sign a Representative Agreement [44 KB] before they go to a sporting event to represent Monash.
On-campus counsellors
In 2014, we entered into an agreement with the South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault (SECASA) to have SECASA counsellors on-campus at Clayton two days per week, and at Caulfield one day per week. Students from all Monash campuses can seek an appointment with a SECASA counsellor.
In July 2017, SECASA provided specialised sexual assault and trauma training to Monash counsellors, contracted psychologists and licenced psychologists.
Resources for non-Monash students
In July 2017, we released the CCD eLearning website in response to the fact the there are occasions when non-Monash people attend varsity events with Monash students.
The website allows non-Monash people access to the Consent video, Respectful and Responsible on-line module and the Varsity Representative Agreement thereby ensuring that non-Monash people satisfy our requirement for pre-event compliance requirements. Access to complete these resources is arranged by the University on these occasions.
Respect.Now.Always support app and website
The website allows non-Monash people access to the Consent video, Respectful and Responsible on-line module and the Varsity Representative Agreement thereby ensuring that non-Monash people satisfy our requirement for pre-event compliance requirements.
In consultation with student organisations and other authorities (including SECASA), we developed and released the Monash University Respect. Now. Always – Support App to help staff and students navigate the support services and reporting options available to them.
We also established the Monash Respect Now Always website.
Both were released in July 2017.
Respectful and Responsible Online Module
In May 2017, we developed and released an online educational module Respectful and Responsible with the input of student organisations and other authorities (including SECASA).
The Respectful and Responsible module was developed to foster healthy and mutually respectful relationships, encourage safe bystander intervention and promote changes in attitudes and social norms to create a safer, more inclusive community. It provides important information about:
- your rights and responsibilities
- the importance of healthy relationships
- what you need to know about alcohol and other drugs
- what constitutes problem behaviour and misconduct
- how you can be an active bystander.
All students are automatically enrolled in the Respectful and Responsible on-line module via their Moodle accounts, and it is mandatory to complete the module if they:
- Attend an off-campus event organised by a faculty of student based club/society
- Are a Monash Residential Services student leader
- Are a member of the Residential Support Team
Action Plan
- Develop campaign to promote Consent Video and Respectful & Responsible module [all students automatically enrolled via Moodle] through initiatives such as Respect, Now, Always Day and White Ribbon Day. These campaigns to reinforce key messages to reduce sexual assault and harassment and provide information regarding support services.
- Respectful Communities Unit established 1st January 2018
- Respectful Communities staff host an information marquee for the duration of each O-Week carnival at the Clayton, Caulfield, Peninsula and Parkville campuses. In February 2018, 965 students directly engaged with the marquee which involved completing a short survey on support services at Monash and having a conversation about the importance of the RNA campaign. In February 2019, over 1,900 students engaged in a conversation with Respectful Communities.
- Starting from March 2018, the Respectful Communities Unit will place a monthly half-page advertisement in the Student Magazines, outlining reporting, referral and support options for victims of inappropriate sexual behaviour. See an example in the Clayton Student Magazine (pdf 272kb) for March 2018.
- The Student Guide – “What you should know” – is updated annually in a partnership between the MSA Women's Officers and Respectful Communities. The Guide is enhanced each year and includes content on hazing, playing it safe online, sexual health, and support services on- and off-campus.
- The Respectful Communities Unit in collaboration with students from the Monash Minds Leadership Program host an annual Respect.Now.Always. Week across the Caulfield, Peninsula, Clayton and Parkville campuses. Staff and volunteers engaged 1446 students at our 2018 events focused on consent. Learn more about our 2019 event here.
- Investigate whether current Consent video can include questions to ensure viewers of the video understood its content
- The Consent video and the Respectful & Responsible online module is being incorporated into a new online course, Respect at Monash. The development of the new online course has incorporated extensive student input to ensure it is a highly useful and educational tool for students. Respect at Monash will be launched in October 2018.
- At 30 June 2019, over 33,000 students had completed Respect at Monash. The module was mandatory for all newly enrolling students from October 2018 onwards, and more than 95% of students completed. Students who failed to complete the module were encumbered.
- Investigate options for international Exchange and Study Abroad students to view the consent video and complete the Respectful and Responsible on-line module
- Staff from the University’s Respectful Communities Unit attend 1st and 2nd semester orientation sessions for incoming Study Abroad and international Exchange students and provide information on Monash's commitment to the Respect.Now.Always. initiative, details of support services available at Monash and screen the University’s Consent video. During the presentation students are encouraged to complete the Respectful and Responsible on-line module.
- TeamMonash to introduce requirement for mandatory viewing of Consent video and completion of Respectful & Responsible module by all registered participants in Monash approved/endorsed overnight off-campus events
- Effective as at 1st February 2018
- Faculty General Managers to continue requirement for mandatory viewing of Consent video and completion of Respectful & Responsible module by all registered students attending a faculty approved/endorsed overnight off-campus events
- Effective as at 1st February 2018
- MRS to continue to require mandatory viewing of Consent video by all students living on campus
- Effective as at 1st January 2018
- All Residential Student Leaders and members of the Residential Support Team are required to view the Consent video.
- MRS to continue to mandate completion of Respectful & Responsible module for all student leaders and members of the Residential Support Team
- Effective as at 1st January 2018
- MRS is requiring all students submitting applications to live on campus in 2019 to complete the Respectful & Responsible module.
- Mannix College investigating mandatory viewing of Consent video by all students seeking to live at Mannix College
- Mannix College will be implementing mandatory viewing of the Consent video as part of their 2019 application process.
- Mannix College investigating mandatory completion of Respectful & Responsible module for all student leaders and members of the Residential Support Team
- The Safer Community Unit provided this training for Student leaders in February 2018.
- Mannix College implementing a two hour consent training program for all Resident Advisors and the Student Committee, and working with Respectful Communities Unit to roll out an active bystander training (including consent).
- Respectful Communities Unit presented BRIGHT workshop (formally known as Respectful Community Initiative Training) over 2 hours to all Resident Advisors and the Student Committee at Mannix College in 2018 and 2019. The workshop covered consent, being an active bystander, respectful relationships, interpersonal violence and gender equity.
- Mannix College investigating compulsory viewing of ‘Hunting Ground’ documentary for all students living at Mannix, taking place at the start of the year.
- August 2018, Mannix College has introduced the requirement that all students living at Mannix College must complete the new Monash University Respect at Monash on-line module.
- HR to review Ethical and Professional Conduct training that is required to be completed by staff every three years, to ensure that material address issues of consent, bystander behaviour and response pathways for issues of sexual assault and harassment.
- June 2018, Monash HR have completed the review and confirmed that the material is current and relevant.
- Monash HR to refresh and roll out a new roadshow of staff / student relationships training, including for HDR Supervisors, and new academic staff.
- July 2018, Monash is developing an on-line module which focuses on appropriate behaviours and relationships between supervisors and students. The on-line module will supplement the Staff/Student Personal Relationships Procedure.
- Monash HR to launch an instructional animation, that deal with workplace culture and expectations at Monash to all staff, and to be included as part of induction materials.
- June 2018, Monash HR have launched an animation – Welcome to the values of Monash.
- Office of DVC (Education) investigating additional training requirements for students in offshore campuses, student leaders engaged in Access Monash programs, and alumni mentors
- All Access Monash Mentors are required to complete the Respect at Monash online module.
- From 1 July 2018, all Team Members of Monash’s Peer Assisted Study Sessions [PASS] must view the Respect at Monash online module.
- Graduate Research will be updating and refreshing the Graduate Research Induction Module for all graduate research students and key messages.
- Monash Graduate Research Office [MGRO] have updated and enhanced the Induction Module to specifically address RNA key messages, with the content reviewed by Workplace Relations.
- MGRO have included training modules with scenarios along with discussion time to address and raise awareness of RNA in the supervision of HDR students. These workshops are within supervisor level 1 accredited training that is required by all supervisors (staff and adjuncts) managing HDR students.
- All HDR students and supervisors have been notified of the staff/student personal relationship procedure released in April 2018.
- Identify external educational campaigns that could supplement Monash offerings and be promoted to staff and students
- Respectful Communities has piloted the Enhanced Assess, Acknowledge, Act (EAAA) Sexual Assault Resistance Program, it forms one critical piece of a comprehensive primary prevention strategy developed by Respectful Communities to address sexual assault and other forms of sexual misconduct within our campus community. The program will continue running throughout 2019.
- Develop and implement a bystander training program
- Respectful Communities has commenced roll out of a bystander training program during our semester 2, 2019 student orientation. The session 'Looking out for each other at uni' encourages all students to look out for one another and call out disrespectful behaviour. The program draws on best practice and research evidence. In 2020 we will roll out this program within Monash Residential Services, and also pilot bystander training programs with staff.
- Develop a process for evaluating effectiveness of training and education programs (such as surveys)
- The University’s Consent video will be developed into an on-line module; the Consent module and the University’s Respectful and Responsible on-line module are currently under further development and the updated versions will feature survey questions at the conclusion of the modules which seek to gauge participants level of understanding of the subject matter, how likely they are to change their own behaviour, how likely they are to challenge inappropriate behaviours displayed by their friends, and how likely they are to challenge inappropriate behaviours displayed by other people.
- The Respect at Monash online module asks a series of questions to assess students understanding of subject matter and how likely they are to change their behaviour as a result. 69% students indicate that after completing the module they would call out disrespectful behaviours amongst their friends if witnessed, and 75% students felt that after completing the module they were highly likely to change their behaviour to be more respectful.
- Implement Universities Australia training modules for staff and students which have been developed by UA to educate staff and shape their awareness of unacceptable behaviours and will assist them to respond to and support those affected by sexual assault and harassment. (Universities Australia 10-point action plan, item four)
- Review Monash University’s procedures against Universities Australia’s guidelines on responding to reports of sexual assault and sexual harassment in a compassionate and timely way and if necessary modify Monash University procedures to incorporate Universities Australia best practice guidelines. (Universities Australia 10-point action plan, item seven)
Recommendation Three: Awareness of support services and reporting processes
We’re making sure that we have the right sexual assault and harassment support services in place and these services are clearly communicated to staff and students.
Recommendation
In order to ensure students and staff know about support services and reporting processes for sexual assault or sexual harassment, universities should:
- Widely disseminate information about university reporting avenues to staff and students
- Widely disseminate information about internal and external services to staff and students, including: university counselling and medical services, campus security, local sexual assault services, police, medical centres, hospitals, counselling services and anti-discrimination agencies
- Ensure that information about internal and external services reporting procedures and support services is displayed clearly, in a logical place[s] on the university website
- Ensure that information about internal and external services reporting procedures and support services is provided to students as part of their orientation into university and to new staff as part of their human resources induction/on-boarding
- Ensure that information about internal and external reporting procedures and support services is accessible to all students and staff, including: people with disability, people from CALD backgrounds, and
- Develop relationships with external services (local sexual assault service, local hospital) to enable referral of students to these services where necessary.
Universities should evaluate the activities undertaken to increase awareness of support services and reporting processes to ensure that these measures have been effective in increasing awareness among staff and students.
Existing Monash initiatives
Community partnerships
In August 2017, Monash worked with the Monash Blues Football Club to become White Ribbon Ambassadors and to develop a video which has been placed on the Victorian Amateur Football Association website.
Guides and resources
In January 2017, we developed the Be Aware – Prevention is Protection Student Safety Guide.
In July 2017, we worked with the Monash Student Association to develop and publish a What you should know resource guide. The student guide was updated in April 2018. This was a collaborative effort between the 2018 MSA Women's Officers and the Respectful Communities Unit. 'What You Should Know' now has more content to support and guide students.
Incident management scenario training
In January 2017, we introduced an externally validated Incident Management Scenario Training course which highlights the processes and protocols for dealing with incidents of any magnitude including sexual assault and harassment. All approved off campus events and activities must have a lead person at the event who has completed this course.
Monash Residential Services (MRS) Initiatives
In January 2017, we introduced a requirement that all first year students living at Monash’s on-campus Halls of Residence must participate in the SECASA accredited Sexpectations program.
All residents also receive a support and referral information card on arrival.
Allegations of sexual offences occurring within MRS are reported to the Safer Community Unit.
In September 2017, SECASA provided frontline responders training to members of MRS residential support staff, including College Heads, Deputy College heads and Residential Support Assistants.
Download the list of current strategies employed by MRS to ensure all residents are able to foster safe and respectful relationships.
Off-campus event guidelines
In February 2016, we developed and implemented new off-campus events guidelines which include Local Incident Management Protocols (LIMPS) and training to ensure that appropriate and timely actions are taken in response to the occurrence of all incidents.
The response guidelines include the escalation to Executive Director Campus Community Division of all critical incidents – including sexual assault and harassment – that may occur at off-campus events attended by Monash students.
The LIMPs are compulsory for use by the wider university community including all Monash student organisations and their affiliated clubs and societies, affiliated sporting clubs and faculty based non-academic off-campus events.
As part of these guidelines, all sporting clubs and groups are required to sign a Representative Agreement [44 KB] before they go to a sporting event to represent Monash.
On-campus counsellors
In 2014, we entered into an agreement with the South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault (SECASA) to have SECASA counsellors on-campus at Clayton two days per week, and at Caulfield one day per week. Students from all Monash campuses can seek an appointment with a SECASA counsellor.
In July 2017, SECASA provided specialised sexual assault and trauma training to Monash counsellors, contracted psychologists and licenced psychologists.
Respect.Now.Always support app and website
The website allows non-Monash people access to the Consent video, Respectful and Responsible on-line module and the Varsity Representative Agreement thereby ensuring that non-Monash people satisfy our requirement for pre-event compliance requirements.
In consultation with student organisations and other authorities (including SECASA), we developed and released the Monash University Respect. Now. Always – Support App to help staff and students navigate the support services and reporting options available to them.
We also established the Monash Respect Now Always website.
Both were released in July 2017.
Action plan
- Develop an orientation campaign to reinforce key messages to reduce sexual assault and harassment and provide information regarding reporting process and access to external referral services
- Respectful Communities Unit established 1st January 2018
- Respectful Communities staff host an information marquee for the duration of the O-Week carnivals each year.
- In addition to placing the Safe and Respectful Communities Card in every residents bedroom, MRS has included the information contained in the card in their “Welcome Home – Your guide to MRS” booklet for 2018 and 2019.
- Respectful Communities Unit will be placing a half page advertisement (every month commencing March 2018) in each of the Student Magazines outlining reporting, referral and support options for victims of inappropriate sexual behaviour. To view an example of the advertisement in the Clayton Student Magazine in March 2018 please click here.
- Staff from the University’s Respectful Communities Unit attend 1stand 2ndsemester orientation sessions for incoming Study Abroad and international Exchange students and provide information on Monash's commitment to the Respect.Now.Always. initiative and details of support services available at Monash. Students are also encouraged to complete the Respect at Monash online module.
- The Student Guide – “What you should know” – is updated annually. This is a collaborative guide produced in partnership between the MSA Women's Officers and Respectful Communities.
- Develop a campaign to promote Monash University RNA Support App
- Respectful Communities Unit will be placing a half page advertisement (every month commencing March 2018) in each of the Student Magazines outlining reporting, referral and support options for victims of inappropriate sexual behavior. To view an example of the advertisement in the Clayton Student Magazine in March 2018 please click here.
- From 28 March 2018, the RNA Support App is now available for download via the app store (iOS and Android) in addition to being viewable online through the Safer Community Unit website. An updated app is currently in production and will be released for the start of semester 1, 2020.
- Enable the information contained in the Monash University RNA Support App to be viewed via a web browser by listing the information on the Safer Community website
- Effective as at 1st January 2018
- Develop opportunities for greater collaboration with the South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault (SECASA) and the Victoria Police Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT)
- Monash welcomes the Services Agreement with SECASA.
- SECASA provides a specialist counsellor three days per week; one day at Monash’s Caulfield campus and two days at Monash’s Clayton campus. SECASA have advised that they are unable to provide a counsellor to be present on the Peninsula Campus. Peninsula students who need SECASA services will have direct access into the SECASA Seaford office.
- SECASA provides specialised sexual assault and trauma training to Monash counsellors, contracted psychologists and licenced psychologists.
- SECASA provides frontline responders training to members of Monash Residential Services [MRS] Residential Support Staff [College Heads, Deputy College Heads and Residential Support Assistants].
- SECASA provides frontline responders training to MRS Residential Advisors.
- SECASA provides face-to-face training sessions on responding to disclosures of sexual assault to all staff and student leaders via a training schedule organised by Monash Respectful Communities Unit.
- SECASA provides support, information and guidance to Monash in respect to the development of programs, initiatives and digital assets such as the Monash RNA Support App, Monash’s Respectful and Responsible on-line module.
- The Safer Community Unit [SCU] has engaged with the SOCIT teams close to each Monash campus (including Box Hill, Moorabbin, Knox and Frankston).
- SCU has explained and/or presented in relation to its role, key functions and processes, and tours of Monash campuses have been arranged for SOCIT members.
- SOCITs have agreed to make detectives available, with the permission of the victim/survivor of a sexual offence, to be present during the initial meeting between the victim/survivor and SCU.
- SOCITs have indicated their willingness to receive direct contacts from SCU members about any matter concerning a reported sexual offence.
- SOCITs have indicated their willingness to receive de-identified reports containing information that Monash believes Victoria Police should know in the interests of community safety.
- SOCIT has presented to key Monash staff involved in front-line responses to reported sexual offences. These staff are now aware of SOCIT’s role, operational practices and methodologies, which will help to ensure that any action taken by the University does not interfere with a Victoria Police investigation.
- SCU will continue to engage with each SOCIT regularly, with a view to strengthening collaboration between Monash and Victoria Police.
- Investigate the possibility of having a CASA counsellor at Monash Peninsula and Parkville campuses
- SECASA have advised that they are unable to provide a counsellor to be present on the Peninsula Campus. Peninsula students who need SECASA services will have direct access into the SECASA Seaford office.
- Monash’s Parkville campus is outside SECASA boundary. Students at Parkville Campus will be referred directly to CASA House located at 210 Lonsdale Street.
- Develop a process for evaluating effectiveness of awareness of support and referral services
- The University has developed an online survey specifically asking responders to provide feedback on the university’s RNA campaign, the RNA Support App and support and referral services. The survey link has been promulgated to the Presidents of all Monash Student Organisations. The survey questions will also be added to the Monash Residential Services, Non-Residential Colleges and English Connect annual survey which are administered late in the year.
- Monash HR to develop a new publicly accessible website that promote positive behaviours in the workplace and how to make complaints / report incidents.
- Effective April 2018. Monash has developed and released a Culture of Integrity and Respect website. The website is live and is publicly accessible from a drop down tab on Monash’s About Us website.
- Monash HR to update Equal Opportunity Policy, Conduct and Compliance Policy, Unacceptable Behaviour in Workplace Procedure, Staff / Student Relationships Procedure – all aimed at more clearly articulating grievance processes to deal with complains of harassment and expected behaviours of all staff.
- Effective April 2018. Monash has reviewed and updated the following:
- Monash HR rewriting Ethics Statement to provide stronger emphasis on appropriate behaviours in the workplace.
- Effective April 2018. Monash has reviewed and updated the Ethics Statement Policy.
- Investigate the possibility of implementing an on-line booking software platform for the Safer Community Unit.
- Following investigation and consultation, it has been determined that implementing an online appointment booking platform may cause operational and safety risks. In particular, an on-line appointment booking platform would eliminate the opportunity for SCU staff to identify the immediate level of risk to the student or staff member, including whether any urgent risk treatment measures or urgent referrals are required, and deprive SCU advisors of the opportunity to adequately prepare for the appointment so as to ensure the advice they provide is tailored to the specific query or concern of the student or staff member.
- SCU has implemented an online reporting form, and is integrating this into the updated RNA Support App due for release in semester 1, 2020.
- Implement Universities Australia training modules for staff and students which have been developed by UA to educate staff and shape their awareness of unacceptable behaviours and will assist them to respond to and support those affected by sexual assault and harassment. (Universities Australia 10-point action plan, item four)
- Review Monash University’s procedures against Universities Australia’s guidelines on responding to reports of sexual assault and sexual harassment in a compassionate and timely way and if necessary modify Monash University procedures to incorporate Universities Australia best practice guidelines. (Universities Australia 10-point action plan, item seven)
Recommendation Four: Independent review of policies and response pathways
We’re commissioning an independent, expert-led review into our misconduct policy, procedures and disciplinary processes, as well as the response pathways in relation to sexual assault and harassment.
Recommendation
In order to ensure that actions taken by universities to prevent and respond to sexual assault and sexual harassment are appropriate, within a year of the release of this report, universities should commission an independent, expert-led review of existing university policies and response pathways in relation to sexual assault and sexual harassment. This review should assess the effectiveness of existing university policies and pathways and make specific recommendations to universities about best practice responses to sexual assault and sexual harassment.
In the interim, and at an institutional level, universities should draw on sexual violence counselling expertise to develop and review processes for responding to sexual assault and sexual harassment of students to ensure that they:
- Secure the immediate safety and wellbeing of the individual who has experienced the sexual assault or sexual harassment
- Are clear and accessible
- Provide individuals with control over what happens to their report
- Have the flexibility to suit individual circumstances
- Provide students with support to continue with their studies
- Provide specialist support, from someone who has specialist expertise and training in sexual assault, sexual harassment and trauma counselling of sexual assault survivors, and
- Accommodate the needs of students from a diverse range of backgrounds.
Existing Monash initiatives
On-campus counsellors
In 2014, we entered into an agreement with the South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault (SECASA) to have SECASA counsellors on-campus at Clayton two days per week, and at Caulfield one day per week. Students from all Monash campuses can seek an appointment with a SECASA counsellor.
In July 2017, SECASA provided specialised sexual assault and trauma training to Monash counsellors, contracted psychologists and licenced psychologists.
Safer Community Unit
In 2008, we established the Monash Safer Community Unit to be the central point of referral for inappropriate behaviours.
The Monash Safer Community Unit uses a centralised on-line incident reporting module (Perspective) to record all reported instances of sexual assault and sexual harassment.
Action plan
- Commission an independent, expert-led review of existing university policies and response pathways in relation to sexual assault and sexual harassment.
- In June 2018, following a competitive procurement process, Worklogic were appointed by the University to conduct the independent, expert-led review.
- In October 2018, Worklogic completed their independent review. The results of the report (PDF, 1.11 MB) commended the
University, but also highlighted where we have more work to do. Monash has committed to implementing all recommendations (PDF, 0.27 MB).
- Centralise student general misconduct (which includes sexual offences) disciplinary process, including implementing revised student general misconduct Policy and Procedures
- Effective as at 26th February 2018
- Develop guidelines for responding to allegations of a sexual offence
- At its meeting on 11 June 2018, the Monash University RNA Advisory Committee accepted and endorsed the tabled - Guidelines for the University’s response to allegations of a sexual offence – which were developed in consultation with and are endorsed by the South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault and Family Violence [SECASA].
- Implement Universities Australia’s training module in specialist professional development for university counsellors. This unit will enhance and extend the skills of mental health clinicians to provide support to people affected by sexual assault and sexual harassment.(Universities Australia 10-point action plan, item six)
Recommendation Five: Training for people most likely to receive disclosures
We’re identifying staff and student representatives who are likely to receive disclosures of sexual assault and sexual harassment, and training them in how to appropriately respond.
Recommendation
Universities should conduct an assessment to identify staff members and student representatives within their institution most likely to receive disclosures of sexual assault and sexual harassment.
Universities should ensure that these staff members and student representatives receive training in responding to disclosures of sexual assault and sexual harassment, delivered by an organisation with specialist expertise in this area.
Existing Monash initiatives
Monash Residential Services (MRS) Initiatives
In January 2017, we introduced a requirement that all first year students living at Monash’s on-campus Halls of Residence must participate in the SECASA accredited Sexpectations program.
All residents also receive a support and referral information card on arrival.
Allegations of sexual offences occurring within MRS are reported to the Safer Community Unit.
In September 2017, SECASA provided frontline responders training to members of MRS residential support staff, including College Heads, Deputy College heads and Residential Support Assistants.
Download the list of current strategies employed by MRS to ensure all residents are able to foster safe and respectful relationships.
Action plan
- Engage South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault (SECASA) to provide training in responding to disclosures of sexual assault and sexual harassment. Current assessment of people requiring this training are:
- Monash Residential Services Residential Support Team [College Heads, Deputy College Heads, residential support Assistants, Resident Advisors, Director MRS, Deputy Director Residential Support and Engagement, Manager Residential support and Engagement]
- Mannix College Residential Support Team members
- Office Bearers of campus based Student Organisations
- Staff members employed by campus based Student Organisations
- Deans to nominate which staff within their faculty should receive first responder training
- Manager Monash Abroad to nominate which staff within their portfolio should receive first responder training
- Nursing Staff within the UHS
- Triage Nurse within the UHS [where provided]
- TeamMONASH staff
- Students and Staff who nominate themselves as Team Leaders for an off-campus event or activity
- Yulendj Indigenous Engagement Unit to nominate which staff within their area should receive first responder training
- Access Monash to nominate which staff within their portfolio should receive first responder training
- Investigate how first responder training is provided to off-campus locations such as Prato, IITB and China
- Monash will also offer this training to other interested staff and students by offering them with the opportunity to book attendance at scheduled training sessions throughout the year.
- MRS Residential Advisors appointed for 2018 received SECASA face to face frontline responders training in November 2017
- MRS Residential Support Team Officers received SECASA face to face frontline responders training in December 2017
- Newly appointed MRS Residential Support Team Officers will receive SECASA face to face frontline responders training by 28th February 2018
- Going forward, all MRS Residential Support Team Officers and Residential Advisors receive annual face-to-face training on responding to disclosures of sexual assault (endorsed by SECASA).
- Respectful Communities Unit has offered SECASA face-to-face training sessions on responding to disclosures of sexual assault to all staff and student leaders. All areas identified as most likely to receive a disclosure of sexual assault were contacted directly encouraging staff and student leaders from those areas to attend. By end of June 2019, over 1100 staff and student leaders have completed the training.
- Investigate the mode of delivery of first responder training to students and staff across offshore campuses, participating in exchanges, and engaged in industry based learning placements and student leadership programs.
- The Respectful Communities Unit is currently working with SECASA to explore adapting the current face to face responding to disclosures of sexual assault training into an online format (in addition to providing face-to-face workshops) to enable a wider-audience to complete this important training.
- This new training module will be available to staff and students from September 2019.
- Implement Universities Australia training modules for staff and students which have been developed by UA to educate staff and shape their awareness of unacceptable behaviours and will assist them to respond to and support those affected by sexual assault and harassment. (Universities Australia 10-point action plan, item four)
- Consider frontline training coordinated by Universities Australia through Rape and Domestic Violence Services Australia or an equivalent local provider. This training will equip more university staff with the skills to respond effectively and compassionately when someone discloses an experience of sexual assault or sexual harassment.(Universities Australia 10-point action plan, item five)
Recommendation Six: Reporting and continuous improvement of processes
We’re reviewing and improving our processes so that appropriate action is taken once a report of sexual assault or sexual harassment is made.
Recommendation
Universities should ensure that information about individual disclosures and reports of sexual assault and sexual harassment is collected and stored confidentially and used for continuous improvement of processes, including:
- details of the complaint/incident
- steps taken to respond to the complaint/incident, i.e.: whether the individual reported to police, whether the perpetrator was moved to a different lecture/tutorial
- support or assistance received, i.e.: whether the person received counselling from university services, whether they reported to police, whether they received support from an external sexual assault service
- time taken to respond to the report and/or refer the person to support services, and
- any feedback provided by the complainant/respondent in relation to the process
Access to this information should be limited to staff members with responsibility for responding to disclosures and reports and those responsible for improving university responses to disclosures and reports.
On a regular basis - at least every six months – Vice-Chancellors should be provided with de-identified reports of this data, including any trends or identifiable concerns which arise, along with recommendations for any necessary improvements to processes.
Existing Monash initiatives
Safer Community Unit
In 2008, we established the Monash Safer Community Unit to be the central point of referral for inappropriate behaviours.
The Monash Safer Community Unit uses a centralised on-line incident reporting module (Perspective) to record all reported instances of sexual assault and sexual harassment.
Action plan
- Centralise student general misconduct (which includes sexual offences) under a Responsible Officer for General Misconduct (ROGM). The ROGM will be in place by January 2018.
- Effective as at 26th February 2018
- Establish format of six-monthly report to the Vice Chancellor. Six monthly reports to be provided to Vice Chancellor at end of June and at end of December each year.
- Effective as at 1st January 2018
- Review our online incident reporting module database (Perspective) and record keeping
- Effective as at 1st February 2018. Safer Community Unit, Security, Monash Residential Services and the Responsible Officer for General Misconduct all have access to Perspective - an on-line incident reporting and management system.
- Monash reporting
To support AHRC Recommendation #6, Monash University will release the following data (as shown in the table below) at 12 month intervals, with the preceding year's data updated at the end of February of each year.
All reports of alleged sexual offences are referred to Monash University's Safer Community Unit which provides information, advice, support and referrals to appropriate support service areas of the University and assistance and referrals to external agencies including Victoria Police and the Centre Against Sexual Assault [CASA].
Monash will assist a student to make a report to the Police and CASA but cannot make a report on behalf of a student if they are over 18 years of age. Monash will always respect the rights of students over the age of 18 years to determine what action they wish to be taken. At all times, Monash will comply with legislated mandatory reporting obligations.
Monash will continue to invest considerable resources to raise awareness of sexual assault and sexual harassment and lift the visibility of support services and reporting options for students.
Recommendation Seven: Audit of university counselling services
In 2017, KPMG undertook an audit of Monash’s counselling services, and we are now implementing their recommendations.
Recommendation
Within six months of this report, but as soon as possible, universities should conduct an audit of university counselling services to assess:
- The capacity of university counselling services to respond to students requests for counselling in an appropriately timely manner, and
- How many university counselling staff have received training in working with sexual assault survivors.
As part of this audit, universities should collect data on:
- The average length of time students are required to wait to see a university counsellor, and
- The number of urgent/crisis requests for counselling received.
- This data should be assessed to determine whether additional counselling services are required to meet the urgent needs of students who have experienced sexual assault or harassment. If additional counselling services are required, universities should ensure that these additional resources are in place as soon as practicable.
Action plan
- We engaged Monash Council appointed external audit contractors (KPMG) to undertake an audit of Monash’s counselling services by end of 2017
- KPMG completed review in December 2017
- KPMG review report tabled at RNA Advisory Committee on 22nd February 2018
- Read the KPMG report: Internal Audit of Counselling Services (PDF, 0.36 MB)
- Monash University to implement the recommendations of the audit
- UHS to explore how wait times of student requests for appointments can be monitored.
The University Health Services [UHS] has developed and introduced an automated anonymous survey which is sent to all students attending counselling. The survey includes questions seeking feedback on satisfaction in respect to making an appointment, getting an appointment at a time that suited them and the wait time to see a counselor.
- Management should seek advice as to the development of appropriate performance thresholds to monitor and enhance performance.
The University Health Services [UHS] has developed and introduced an automated anonymous survey which is sent to all students attending counselling. The survey responses will enable the UHS to plan for and implement targeted changes and enhancements in direct response to feedback which should deliver an overall improvement in experience and satisfaction with the services offered.
- UHS to explore how wait times of student requests for appointments can be monitored.
Recommendation Eight: Regular reporting of sexual assault and sexual harassment
On behalf of all universities, Universities Australia will conduct a National university student survey of sexual assault and sexual harassment every three years.
Recommendation
Universities should engage an independent body to conduct the National university student survey of sexual assault and sexual harassment at three yearly intervals to track progress in reducing the prevalence of these incidents at a sector-wide level.
Action plan
- This recommendation will be actioned by Universities Australia on behalf of all universities
- Monash University is committed to be an active participant in all future surveys
Recommendation Nine: Review of contributing factors in university residences
We’ll support an independent, expert-led review of the factors which contribute to sexual assault and sexual harassment in university residences and residential colleges.
Recommendation
In addition to considering the implementation of the university recommendations made in this report, residential colleges and university residences should commission an independent, expert-led review of the factors which contribute to sexual assault and sexual harassment in their settings.
This review should consider:
- Appropriate responses by a college or university residence to reports of sexual assault and sexual harassment
- A trauma-informed and rights-based approach in a situation in which an allegation of sexual assault has been made
- The ways that hazing practices and college 'traditions' facilitate a culture which may increase the likelihood of sexual violence
- The role of alcohol in facilitating a culture which may increase the likelihood of sexual violence
- The level and nature of supervision in a twenty-four hour residential setting in which large numbers of young people are living away from home, and
- The level and adequacy of training required to equip residential advisors to serve as first responders or in response to matters sexual assault and harassment.
Existing Monash initiatives
Monash Residential Services (MRS) initiatives
In January 2017, we introduced a requirement that all first year students living at Monash’s on-campus Halls of Residence must participate in the SECASA accredited Sexpectations program.
All residents also receive a support and referral information card on arrival.
Allegations of sexual offences occurring within MRS are reported to the Safer Community Unit.
In September 2017, SECASA provided frontline responders training to members of MRS residential support staff, including College Heads, Deputy College heads and Residential Support Assistants.
Download the list of current strategies employed by MRS to ensure all residents are able to foster safe and respectful relationships.
Safer Community Unit
In 2008, we established the Monash Safer Community Unit to be the central point of referral for inappropriate behaviours.
The Monash Safer Community Unit uses a centralised on-line incident reporting module (Perspective) to record all reported instances of sexual assault and sexual harassment.
Action plan
- Commission an independent, expert-led review of the factors which contribute to sexual harassment and sexual assault in their settings.
- In June 2018, following a competitive procurement process, Worklogic were appointed by the University to conduct the independent, expert-led review.
- In October 2018, Worklogic completed their independent review. The results of the report (PDF, 1.11 MB) commended the
University, but also highlighted where we have more work to do. Monash has committed to implementing all recommendations (PDF, 0.27 MB).
- Implement Universities Australia guidelines to prevent and address sexual assault and sexual harassment in Monash University on-campus accommodation (Universities Australia 10-point action plan, item ten)