Office of the Vice-Chancellor
Phone +64 7 837 9472
The University of Waikato
www.waikato.ac.nz
Private Bag 3105
Hamilton 3240
New Zealand
7 Septe mber 2023
Elia Gibbons
Email:
[FYI request #23780 email]
Dear Elia,
Official Information request (OIA-23-47) – Sexual Violence Incidents
I refer to your request for official information of 11 August 2023 in which you have requested the
following information:
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.
Under the Official Information Act 1982 (
Act) the University of Waikato (
University) has considered
your request and provides the following information.
Reported Incidents
4.
From 2018 to 2022 there were a total of 15 formal complaints of sexual violence made to the
University’s Student Discipline Committee. Of the reported incidents: nine (9) occurred on
University campus/premises (including halls of residence); four (4) occurred off
campus/premises; and two (2) have been classified as “Other” (i.e., not falling into either
category).
Definitions
5.
The definition of “sexual violence” used by the University is stated within the University’s
Sexual Violence Policy (see publicly available link below).
University Responses
6.
Currently the University's response to sexual violence is outlined in the Sexual Violence Policy
(https://www.waikato.ac.nz/official-info/index/docs/sexual-violence-policy) and the associated
Procedures
(https://www.waikato.ac.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/856086/Sexual-Violence-
Procedures.pdf). Our response to interpersonal violence as a whole (which includes sexual
violence) is outlined in the Interpersonal Violence Polic
y (https://www.waikato.ac.nz/official-
info/index/docs/interpersonal-violence-policy), associated Procedures
(https://www.waikato.ac.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/967834/Interpersonal-Violence-
Procedures-w-Appendices.pdf), and Personal Safety Plan
(https://cms.its.waikato.ac.nz/?a=967833) documents.
7.
The above documents outline disclosures, complaints, prevention and more. These documents
were prioritised and created to inform the foundation for the initiatives that come from the
Student Health Service's Violence Prevention service
(https://www.waikato.ac.nz/students/health/violence-prevention). The intention is to prevent
all interpersonal violence and promote safer University campuses. We provide workshops to
staff and students, online learning opportunities, campaigns, and the University’s Violence
Prevention Coordinator provides advice to staff and student leaders who receive disclosures.
Recently, we have engaged with SAFE Self-Defence and Waikato Students' Union to offer free
self-defence courses to students.
In accordance with the Official Information Act 1982, 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
Jim Mercer
Chief Operating Officer