5 September 2023
El a Gibbons
By email
: [FYI request #23753 email]
Dear El a
Official Information Act request 23.73 Sexual Violence incidents
I refer to the Official Information Act (the Act) request dated 9 August 2023 for information relating to sexual
violence incidents. You have requested the fol owing:
I am writing to request information on sexual violence definitions, incidents, and responses at The University of
Canterbury over the past five years:
1. Reported Acts of Sexual Violence: We are hoping to understand the number of reported acts of sexual
violence that have been brought to the university's attention within the last five years and the number of these
that occurred in university premises (including halls of residence) and the number that occurred outside of
university premises.
2. University Definition of Sexual Violence: We would also appreciate clarification on whether the university has
an established definition for operationalizing sexual violence. If so, could this definition please be provided.
3. University Responses to Sexual Violence: In addition, we seek information on the existing responses that the
university has implemented to address and combat sexual violence.
We recognize that sexual violence is a complex issue, and we acknowledge that the number of reported
incidents does not reflect the safety of the university environment. Instead, we understand that the focus should
be on creating an environment where students feel comfortable and supported in seeking help and assistance
from the university. We appreciate your cooperation in providing this information as we believe that
understanding and addressing sexual violence wil help create a safe and supportive environment.
1. Please note that these numbers only include formal reports of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment
al egedly caused by a UC student or staff member. While students may choose to informal y report such
incidents to support services on campus, UC cannot investigate matters that are not reported through the
formal process.
Please see formal reports for sexual misconduct and harassment reported to People and Culture (Table 1) and
reported to the Grievance and Academic Process Advisor (Table 2).
Table 1
Year
Number of reports formal y filed by students against
staff for sexual misconduct or sexual harassment
reported to People and Culture
2018
0
2019
2
2020
1
2021
2
2022
1
2023 (to 4 September)
1
Table 2
Year
Number of reports formal y filed by students for sexual
misconduct or sexual harassment reported to Grievance
and Academic Process Advisor
2018
2
2019
4
2020
0
2021
1
2022
2
2023 (to 4 September)
0
2. On the 4th of September, UC commenced formal consultation with staff and students on a draft Harmful
Sexual Behaviour Prevention and Response Policy. This draft provides our University Definition for
operationalising harmful sexual behaviour. The proposed Policy aims to clarify options available for those
seeking support and/or wanting to report harmful sexual behaviour; and to ensure those impacted by harmful
sexual behaviour can access trauma-informed support and safety measures, regardless of whether they make
a formal complaint to the University or a report to the Police. Please see the fol owing link to access this draft
Policy
: Draft Harmful Sexual Behaviour Prevention and Response Policy | University of Canterbury .
3. In June 2022, the role of Sexual Harm Preven�on and Response Lead was implemented. This role leads the
development and delivery of a ‘whole-of-campus’ sexual harm preven�on, response and support system
designed to prevent and safely respond to sexual harm.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision. Information about
how to make a complaint is available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.
Yours sincerely
Claire O'Connell
Information Compliance Officer