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National Student Safety Survey

The National Student Safety Survey collects feedback about student experiences of sexual violence at Australian universities, and we use the findings to inform our approach to prevention and response.

Creating safer universities together

At Federation University, we’re committed to building a respectful and inclusive community. That means listening to students, learning from their experiences and taking action to prevent sexual harassment and sexual assault.

The 2026 National Student Safety Survey (NSSS) is a sector-wide initiative that collects data on student experiences of sexual violence at Australian universities. The survey, commissioned and funded by Universities Australia, is conducted every five years. The 2026 NSSS will open on 8 September. It will be managed by independent market research company Roy Morgan, in partnership with gender-based violence expert Dr Kate Fitz-Gibbon from Monash University.  

Your feedback is important

All TAFE, higher ed and research students will receive an invitation to do the NSSS survey from safetysurvey@roymorgan.com. The questions will take about 15 to 25 minutes to complete, and all answers are confidential, which means Federation University won’t have access to individual responses.

Participation is voluntary, but every perspective matters. We encourage you to complete the survey, regardless of whether you’ve experienced sexual violence. 

The NSSS data helps us better understand student experiences across Australian universities. We use the findings to inform sexual violence prevention efforts, strengthen our support services and plan future initiatives.

Results are expected to be released in 2027. If you'd like to know more, see the NSSS FAQs.

Because the NSSS survey is anonymous, responses can’t be used to report individual incidents. If you’ve seen or experienced concerning behaviour and would like to get support or submit a report, visit Safer Communities.

Key findings from the 2021 National Student Safety Survey

The most recent survey was held in 2021. It was funded by Universities Australia and conducted by the Social Research Centre (SRC) in partnership with leading violence prevention expert Associate Professor Anastasia Powell from RMIT University. We thank every student who took part and shared their story.

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. Students often didn't report because they thought they didn't need help, that others wouldn't think the incident was serious enough or that it would be too hard to prove. The NSSS also highlighted the need for universities to improve support services, reporting pathways and prevention strategies.

Content warning

The material in the report may be distressing or retraumatising, so please take care. If you need support, you can access a range of free services.

How Federation responded to the 2021 findings

We used the 2021 NSSS findings to develop the Respectful and Inclusive Communities Action Plan 2024–2026, which outlines practical steps we’re taking to create safer, more respectful spaces for everyone at Federation. We are now offering:

  • training for student leaders and staff on how to respond to disclosures
  • refreshed online modules on rights and respectful behaviour
  • face-to-face sessions for students in residences and international cohorts
  • a dedicated Respectful Communities Coordinator to support students
  • an updated Safer Communities webpage with clear reporting and support options
  • trauma-informed support through Safer Communities
  • a whole-of-organisation Prevention and Response Plan to meet the requirements of the National Code (currently in development)
  • a University-wide Respect at Federation awareness campaign.