Sexual assault is present in tertiary spaces, just like it is
throughout society. On our campuses, in our flats, at our places of work, in halls of
residence, out at parties – these are all spaces where the culture of being a student is
created and reinforced, and we are concerned about all of these as sites where students might
be victimised.
We are also concerned with the histories of abuse and trauma that people
might bring with them when they begin their lives as a student. Past victimisation can have
serious detrimental effects on how someone experiences this period of their lives, and it is
important that institutions can provide adequate, appropriate support that caters to their
diverse needs.
We believe that a variety of factors make students particularly
vulnerable to sexual violence. Most students are in the most at-risk age group, of 18-24. Many
are also navigating living alone for the first time, and exploring their first romantic and
sexual relationships. Many students also belong to demographics that have a higher statistical
risk, such as being trans or Māori.
International data suggests that as many as one in
four women will experience sexual violence during their time as a student (Fisher, Daigle, &
Cullen, 2009). However, New Zealand has a comparatively high rate of sexual violence, which
might account for some older local data where over half of female first-year students at
Auckland University reported sexual violence (Gavey, 1991). We hope to collect more up-to-date
data as part of the campaign.