2021 National Student Safety Survey results
Trigger warning: this page includes references to sexual harm (sexual harassment and sexual assault).
La Trobe University has an ongoing commitment to prevent sexual harm and gender-based violence on our campuses, as well as supporting and empowering survivors of sexual harm.
Students are encouraged to report sexual harassment and sexual assault to our Safer Community service.
The National Student Safety Survey (NSSS) was conducted across the Australian university sector in late 2021. The Survey collected data on the scale and nature of university student experiences of sexual harassment and sexual assault. It was conducted by the Social Research Centre at the Australian National University and builds on the foundational survey conducted in 2016.
In line with global best practice and expert recommendations, the 2021 survey introduced behavioural questions, stronger measures of prevalence that enable comparison with national and international datasets, and open-ended questions allowing students to anonymously share their experiences. For this reason, prevalence rates from the 2021 survey are not directly comparable with results from the 2016 survey.
A single case of sexual harm is one too many. La Trobe University encouraged students to participate in the survey last year. The results from the 2021 Survey will be carefully considered and guide our continuing work to ensure La Trobe University is a safe and respectful place for everyone.
2021 National Student Safety Survey reports:
- 2021 NSSS Quantitative Report, Qualitative Report and statement from Universities Australia Chair, Professor John Dewar AO
- La Trobe University 2021 NSSS Profile [PDF 315KB]
- La Trobe University 2021 NSSS Profile - Additional information [PDF 604KB]
- La Trobe University background information on sexual harm prevention and support initiatives
La Trobe University intends to publish more detailed results in due course, following discussions within the university sector about releasing them in a way that ensures victim-survivors are protected, and participants' privacy is respected.
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar AO issued a statement.
Read how we are promoting a Respectful Community Culture at La Trobe.