Australian Universities will finally be required to invest in preventing gender-based violence thanks to the new National Code

The urgency of addressing gendered violence on university campuses cannot be overstated. While conversations about the issue may sometimes elicit fatigue or a desire to turn away, we must recognise the lessons we can and must learn from other preventable crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Just as global pandemics and the climate crisis are preventable with proactive measures, so too is gendered violence preventable through concerted efforts.

As an inclusion and equity consultant, I often find myself working with organisations after incidents of bullying, harassment, and gendered violence have occurred. While there is typically a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and staff wellbeing, it's disheartening to note that proactive prevention is often overlooked in favour of reactive responses.

A crucial step forward in preventing and responding to gendered violence on university campuses is the release of the National Action Plan Addressing Gendered Violence in Higher Education, which includes establishing a National Student Ombudsman, a whole-of-organisation approach and code to preventing and responding to gendered violence, enhanced oversight of student accommodation providers and increased data transparency and scrutiny.  The action plan, and code, will provide a framework for universities to prioritise prevention efforts and ensure effective responses when incidents occur.

Prevention must be at the forefront of any strategy aimed at addressing gendered violence. By adopting a prevention-based approach informed by public health principles, universities can work to dismantle the systemic inequities that fuel harassment and discrimination. This approach requires investment across all levels, from primary prevention, which addresses root causes, to tertiary prevention, which provides support at the individual level.

Too often, resources are focused on reactive responses, such as increased funding for crisis support services or external reviews after incidents have occurred. While these measures are necessary, they fail to address the underlying systemic issues that perpetuate gendered violence on campuses.

A prevention-based approach may not always be perceived as glamorous or immediately rewarding. Still, it is essential to enhance workplace performance and student experience, shape organisational values and culture, improve productivity, and reduce attrition and turnover rates.

Moreover, the financial case for prevention-based interventions is compelling. By investing in prevention, universities can avoid the high costs associated with reactive measures, such as recruitment expenses, lost students and productivity, and talent attrition due to cultural issues.

Prevention efforts can and should be measured to evaluate their impact individually and within a broader organisational strategy. This allows universities to assess the effectiveness of their interventions and make informed decisions moving forward.

In conclusion, the implementation of a new national code for universities, coupled with the establishment of an independent Student Ombudsman, represents a crucial step towards preventing and responding to gendered violence on campuses. As someone who has been working in this area for the last decade, it is heartening to know that the work by many advocates and practitioners has finally been recognised by the Federal Government, and the issue of gendered violence is being taken seriously.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, to those who have continued to push for these changes.

If you're interested in learning more about designing prevention-based strategies to advance equity and inclusion, please check out the new Gendered Violence and Harassment Prevention Blueprint, and don't hesitate to get in touch.