29 August 2017
Kyra Gil ies, Chris Lam, Luca Elder
By email:
[FYI request #6337 email]
Dear Kyra, Chris and Luca
OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT REQUEST 17.25 – REPORTED SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND HARASSMENT
I refer to your email dated 1 August 2017 where you requested information on reported sexual violence and
harassment by type and year over a 10 year period, and the outcome of these reports.
The information you have requested is below. Due to a change in incident reporting software in 2010, the
University has little access to information from before this time.
1.
Unwanted filming of a person in a sexually harassing / demeaning way.
No incidents reported.
2.
Nonconsensual photo and / or video sharing of a person’s intimate and / or sexual photos / videos.
No incidents reported.
3.
Online or in-person sexual harassment in the form of comments, persistent harassment for sex, stalking
and or rape threats.
2008
˗ Sexual harassment, reported by student
2011
˗ Sexual harassment, reported by students
˗ Sexual harassment, reported by non UC people
˗ Sexual harassment, reported by staff
˗ Sexual harassment, reported by student
2012
˗ Sexual harassment, reported by student
˗ Sexual harassment, reported by student
2013
˗ Sexual harassment, reported by staff
˗ Sexual harassment, reported by student
˗ Sexual harassment, reported by staff
2014
˗ Sexual harassment, reported by student
2015
˗ Sexual harassment, reported by student
4.
Sexual assault and/or unwanted groping.
2013
˗ Sexual assault on campus, reported by staff
2017
˗ Sexual assault off campus, reported by staff
5.
Rape (including anal and digital rape).
None reported. Al our records indicate “sexual assault” not specifical y rape.
6.
Intimate partner violence in which sexual violence has been involved.
None reported.
7.
Flatting violence in which sexual violence has been involved.
2012
˗ Sexual harassment in a flatting situation, reported by student
8. Statistical date of the number of expulsions, trespass orders and reparations that have occurred after
such reporting’s of the accused.
None recorded.
This information is only what is formally reported to the University. UC is aware that students may experience
sexual harassment or assault and choose not to report it. The University can only act on incidents or issues
that are reported to it, and UC and the hal s actively encourage students to do so. Students have a right not to
report incidents, and in such circumstances their privacy and any decisions not to access support are
respected. Instances also occur where an incident is reported but the student does not wish it to be taken any
further.
The University recognizes its duty of care towards al students. It takes the safety and security of al students
very seriously. The University makes considerable efforts to ensure that students are aware of their
responsibilities to themselves and others from the time they arrive at UC and afterwards. Safety, security and
wel being messages are part of Orientation and are regularly reinforced throughout the year, both on campus
and in hal s, using a range of channels including online a
t https://www.mystudentvil age.com/nz/uc-
accommodation/resources/
UC has designated safe walking routes through campus and there is an escort programme to walk students
home to nearby hal s at night. Students are encouraged to report anything that looks out of place. 13 Security
Towers were instal ed across campus in 2012, greatly enhancing security and UC’s ability to respond to
emergencies. The towers include emergency cal buttons, blue lighting, low-light CCTV cameras and, when
activated, warning beacons to alert everyone in the vicinity.
UC pays close attention to matters of campus safety, security and student wel being and there are regular
meetings to discuss these topics and address any issues that arise. UC Accommodation Services and the hal s
of residence meet monthly. Health and Safety is a mandatory agenda item. Any other issues or trends are
discussed, respectful of the privacy of individuals. There is also a quarterly meeting with hal s of residence,
with attendees including the UC Director of Student Success, UC Accommodation Services, UC Security and the
UCSA.
The University wil always defer to the Police to investigate matters where a crime is al eged to have occurred.
The University does not always know who a victim is, or if they are a student. Should the University become
aware, it offers support, encourages reporting to the Police, and supports any investigation while maintaining
the victim’s right to privacy. This is particularly important in matters where automatic name suppression
would apply in court.
The University is also mindful that, should any matter progress to court and the defendant is a student, it must
retain a presumption of innocence until a conviction is recorded and cannot progress any disciplinary process
in paral el to a police investigation or court process.
Information reported to University counsel ors, advisors, or in support of an application for an Aegrotat,
extension, or other special consideration of grade is not included in the above statistics. This information is
reported in confidence, and therefore withheld under s9(2)(a) to protect the privacy of natural persons, and
s9(2)(ba)(i) information subject to an obligation of confidence, where making the information available would
be likely to prejudice the supply of similar information. The expectation of confidence ensures students feel
comfortable raising sensitive matters with staff so they can obtain the assistance they require. This
information is not catalogued by type, and would also require extensive cross referencing to determine, and
as such is withheld under s18(f) as it would require substantial col ation or research. As this is a partial refusal
of your request, you have the right under s28 (3) of the Act, to request the Ombudsman to review this refusal.
Yours faithful y
Tom Norcliffe
Associate Registrar
Information and Records Manager
