The University of Wollongong will not release the full details of proposed changes to its sexual assault support service, but has denied there will be cuts. Photo: UOW.
The University of Wollongong has released more detail about proposed changes to its sexual assault support service.
The university still won’t release the document in full however, despite criticism it has attracted from the students’ union and women’s advocates.
A spokesperson for UOW said a revised change proposal for its complaints, Safe and Respectful Communities (SARC), and wellbeing, health and safety (WHS) functions would strengthen the university’s operating model, better support students and staff, and meet emerging regulatory and legislative requirements.
“SARC is not being disestablished under the proposal and trauma-informed support for students will continue,” the spokesperson said.
When Region Illawarra asked for a copy of the proposal however, it was told the full proposal was not available because it was an internal document.
Key changes in the revised change proposal include retention of the Safe and Respectful Communities name, including team titles and the physical location of the service; a single-entry “front door” for complaints and disclosures, supported by a unified case management system; clear separation of roles between support, case management and investigations to improve transparency, equity and procedural fairness; retention of specialist teams, with enhanced leadership capabilities to meet new requirements under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence, Modern Slavery obligations and work health and safety laws; strengthened governance, data informed decision-making, reporting and service standards to improve timeliness, accountability and trust.
Acting vice-chancellor and president Professor Mark Hoffman said the university had listened closely to feedback received during the first consultation round.
“The revised proposal has been shaped by extensive feedback from students, staff, union representatives and external stakeholders,” Professor Hoffman said.
“I thank everyone who contributed. Their input has directly informed a model that strengthens support for students and staff, improves transparency, and makes services easier to access.
“We are now entering the next stage of consultation, and I encourage students and staff to read about the proposals and provide feedback. We expect both proposals to continue to evolve as consultation progresses.”
Consultation on the revised change proposals is open until 16 December, and student feedback sessions and staff forums have been scheduled. The university spokesperson said no final decisions had been made.
The final change plans are scheduled for release on 23 February next year.
A spokesperson for the Wollongong Undergraduate Students Association (WUSA) said they had not yet received the revised proposal.
WUSA claimed the original proposal would have disestablished SARC, and would leave students who experienced harassment or violence with nowhere to turn.
The spokesperson said they would release a statement on the revised version in coming days.
