An independent review into the Australian National University's sexual assault policies and procedures will not consult with sexual assault survivors, disappointing students and advocacy groups who argue the most important voice has been ignored.
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The ANU commissioned Rapid Context to review its policies and procedures after a sector-wide survey revealed 116 of its students were sexually assaulted in 2016, including 52 on campus.
Despite originally vowing to consult with staff, students and survivors, the terms of reference indicate researchers from the Canberra consultancy firm will instead look at existing documents to provide advice on strengthening the university's response to sexual assault, sexual harassment and bullying.
An information sheet said the project would "not … actively seek to speak with survivors of sexual assault about their experiences".
ANU student Ellie Greenwood, who wrote her thesis on ANU sexual assault policies, expressed her shock to Pro-Vice Chancellor (University Experience) Richard Baker.
"It is inconceivable to me that ANU could publicly state that the review is designed to achieve these goals when it will not even involve talking to survivors about their own experiences, about the ways in which ANU's policies and procedures failed them, and the ways in which ANU staff failed to support them," she said.
"A review of the university's sexual assault policies and procedures without any examination of how the university and its staff actually use them in practice, and how survivors have experienced the system, is hollow and meaningless."
An ANU spokeswoman said the terms of reference were developed in consultation with "a range of student leaders" and that the university was keen to get the work done quickly, meaning only "key stakeholders" would be consulted.
"We considered broadening the scope of the consultancy in the light of the report findings but made a decision not to as we are conscious of the need for ANU to quickly respond to student and survivor concerns that our policies, procedures and practices need to be improved," she said.
"... we have developed a strategy of the consultants consulting students through key stakeholders that include a wide range of student leaders, past women's officers and a representative of Restorative ANU. That group includes a number of survivors and stakeholders who have had survivors disclose to them."
ANU Student Association women's officer Holly Haoyi Zhang said survivors were a necessary part of the conversation and that a demand for swift action didn't equal the acceptance of a sub-par response.
"Their lived experience is required to inform strategic direction from the top as well as feedback to adjust policies, and the trauma they live with is not a liability for the institution to tip-toe around or ignore," she said.
End Rape on Campus Australia ambassador Nina Funnell agreed: "It's really disappointing survivors are again being left out of the conversation when you'd hope they'd be viewed as a key stakeholder demographic."
The ANU spokeswoman noted other work the university was doing to address issues of sexual assault and harassment, including implementing all nine of the Australian Human Rights Commission's recommendations following its sector-wide report, engaging student leaders in its review of residential colleges, reviewing its counselling services and exploring developing a restorative justice process.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault or family violence, call the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre on 02 6247 2525. Nationally, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. In an emergency contact 000.
