National Student Safety Survey 2026
We need your voices to create change at the University of Melbourne
The National Student Safety Survey (NSSS) is an initiative involving all 39 universities across Australia, that collects data on student experiences of gender based violence, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, family violence and dating violence. The NSSS 2026 will be released to students at the University of Melbourne in September, 2026.
The most recent survey was conducted in 2021 by the Social Research Centre (SRC) and funded by Universities Australia. The SRC partnered with violence prevention expert Associate Professor Anastasia Powell from RMIT University on the development and delivery of the 2021 National Student Safety Survey.
Key findings from the 2021 National Student Safety Survey
The survey revealed that sexual harassment and sexual assault are common experiences for university students across Australia, and yet very few formal reports or complaints are made.
The University of Melbourne reported the highest rates of sexual assault and harrassment across the state of Victoria. Approximately 60% of students at the University of Melbourne reported that they did not know how or where to seek help at the university if they had experienced sexual assault or harrassment.
The NSSS highlighted the need for the University of Melbourne to improve their primary prevention efforts, access to support services, and reporting pathways.
Participating in this survey is a critical step in creating real, tangible change at the university. Your voice matters.
UMSU Asks following 2021 Survey:
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Support Services:
For support at the University of Melbourne,
Contact the Safer Community Program
(03) 9035 8675
Safer-community@unimelb.edu.au
Contact the UMSU Sexual Harm Response Coordinators
Umsu-shrc@union.unimelb.edu.au
Umsu.unimelb.edu.au/contact-shrc
Contact Counselling and Psychological Services
(03) 8344 6927
For mental health support and advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, contact the University Mental Health Crisis Support Service:
Phone: 1300 219 459
Text: 0480 079 188