Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton addresses attendees at the Respect. Now. Always. event

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Respect.Now.Always. project lead Tatiana Lozano provides an update on the report release and ongoing work in the University.

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Following the release last week by the Australian Human Rights Commission of the national report and Macquarie’s own report into sexual assault and sexual harassment we started a conversation and will continue with our work at Macquarie on how best to address the issues raised in these reports.

On the day of the report release the Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton hosted a Town Hall for students and staff where more than 160 people attended.

The Town Hall event invited staff and students to come together as a community to discuss the findings of the report, and reaffirm the Vice-Chancellor’s and the University’s commitment to the Respect.Now.Always. project.

The Vice-Chancellor spoke openly on his personal commitment to addressing the issues raised by the report and provided an overview of Macquarie’s own results. The Vice-Chancellor then joined in a panel session that also featured Professor Catharine Lumby, Esra Mustafa from North Sydney Sexual Assault Service, The Hon. Jenny Aitchinson MP (Member for Maitland and Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault), and students Jimmy Brackin, Jasmine Noud (President of the Women’s Collective) and Harini Enasha De Mel. The floor was then opened for questions from students and staff.

An information session on the project and reports was also held for staff which saw representation from staff across the University.

The Respect.Now.Always project team will continue to work with the executive team and consult with students and staff members supported by external experts, with a focus on prevention and cultural change through evidence-based education, and the review and improvement of the University’s policies, procedures and support services.

The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged that there is still much work to be done, and as a community we will continue to work together to ensure that our University is a safe and supportive environment where students are able to achieve their full potential in peace and confidence.

Macquarie has a range of support services available to all students. Visit the website for more.