Eliminating gendered violence at universities requires a whole-of-community approach.

The beginning of the academic year at Federation University is an exciting time for university students and their families - a time of aspiration and exploration, of making new friends and lifelong memories.

As I walk through the campus to my office, I am inspired by the energy and vibrancy of students filling our halls and lecture theatres. At the same time, I am acutely aware of the enormous responsibility we, as academic institutions, bear in ensuring their well-being, safety, and personal growth.

I am also reminded of the tragic death of our beloved student, Hannah McGuire, who was allegedly murdered nearly 12 months ago, with her former partner currently facing charges over the death . Though this tragedy did not occur on campus, Hannah’s death has strengthened our resolve at Federation University to work towards eradicating gendered violence from our communities and campuses.

Whether you are a first-year student experiencing O-Week, a returning student, or the parent of someone at university, we all share the expectation that campuses should be safe, free from violence and harassment.

Yet, statistics paint a troubling picture: one-in-20 university in Australian universities have been sexually assaulted on campus, and one-in-six has experienced sexual harassment. These figures tell us that more needs to be done to make university campuses safe.

We therefore welcome the recent announcement by Federal Education Minister Jason Clare proposing the establishment of the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence.

This proposed national code will require universities to meet meaningful standards in both preventing and responding to gendered violence. It is an opportunity for universities across Australia to combine and strengthen efforts to combat gendered violence.

At Federation University, we have embedded initiatives into the student experience that directly address sexual assault and harassment. Some of these efforts begin before students even set foot on campus.

From the moment students accept a place at our university, they are automatically enrolled in our Respect@Fed: Our Communities online training covering respectful behaviours, consent, and bystander intervention. For students living in residential accommodation, student leaders, and volunteers additional training is tailored.

However, education alone is not enough. Alarmingly, half of all Australian university students feel unheard when they report sexual harassment. This is unacceptable. While Federation University has a dedicated team supporting students who disclose sexual assault, we recognise the need to keep improving. We are actively working to create safer and more accessible reporting mechanisms, including multiple disclosure options and peer-based support systems.

In 2024, we established a Student Advisory Group dedicated to the issue of gender-based violence comprising 10 students representing a cross-section of experiences and backgrounds. Their insights are helping to shape Federation University’s ongoing efforts to foster a safer and more inclusive campus environment.

The proposed national code will introduce mandatory reporting requirements for universities, similar to those already in place for professionals such as GPs and teachers. Given the trust students place in university staff — both academic and professional — this is a critical step forward.

Mandatory reporting not only triggers immediate investigation and safety measures for individuals but also enables a system-wide understanding of trends and systemic issues. With sector-wide data, universities can collaborate to develop integrated responses to gendered violence.

However, legislation alone cannot eliminate gendered violence, nor can any single institution.

Gendered violence is a societal issue that requires a collective, community-wide response. Although universities have physical boundaries, ensuring student safety extends far beyond campus grounds.

As we strengthen our student and campus initiatives, we call on the wider community to play an active role in safeguarding our students.

Community members help ‘fill the safety gaps’ in places beyond university grounds—on public transport, in the streets, and in other public spaces where students gather. Learning safe bystander intervention techniques, creating spaces where victim/survivors feel supported, and connecting those in need with appropriate resources are all vital contributions.

Despite common misconceptions, most acts of sexual violence against women are perpetrated by someone known to them. At its core, gendered violence is rooted in entrenched gender inequality. We all have a role to play in fostering systemic cultural change by educating ourselves, challenging harmful stereotypes, and speaking out against outdated attitudes and behaviours.

Everyone in the Ballarat community, including our students, deserves to live, work, and study free from violence and harassment. We are committed to amplifying student voices and supporting our community to eliminate gendered violence.

With a whole-of-community approach, we can create a safer Ballarat for everyone.