Overview
The National Student Safety Survey (NSSS) is a sector-wide initiative that collects data on student experiences of sexual harm at Australian universities. Student voices are central to Curtin’s efforts to create a safe and respectful university community. We listen closely to survey results, student feedback and sector guidance and use them to shape how we respond to and prevent gender-based violence.
Message from the Vice-Chancellor
Every student deserves to be treated with respect, to feel safe in their learning environment and to know support is available when they need it. At Curtin, as with all universities, we have a responsibility to keep listening, learning and acting with care and compassion.
It was my privilege to lead development of this year’s survey as Chair of the Universities Australia Technical Working Group, at a critical time where student, staff and campus safety is at the centre of a national conversation.
The 2026 NSSS has been informed by a broad range of research, subject matter experts and lived experience, carefully designed to best capture student needs, insights and concerns.
This survey isn’t just for students who’ve experienced harm – it’s for everyone. Every voice matters and every response will help drive positive change both here at Curtin and across the higher education sector.
2026 NSSS
The 2026 survey is being conducted across Australian universities by independent research organisation Roy Morgan on behalf of Universities Australia.
If you receive an invitation to participate, doing so is voluntary and confidential. Individual responses will not be shared with the University, and you can stop the survey at any time.
Visit the NSSS website for more information about the survey.
Curtin’s initiatives
Curtin’s approach to preventing and responding to gender-based violence includes education, support, reporting pathways and campus-wide prevention initiatives.
Gender-based Violence Prevention and Response Plan
Our Prevention and Response Plan sets out the actions and strategies we will take to create lasting change in addressing this critical issue.
Respectful Relationships
Respectful Relationships is a program designed to ensure students are aware of the range of services available to assist with trauma and personal wellbeing.
Respect Starts With You
Every person deserves to feel safe and respected, both on and off campus. Respect Starts With You is a student-created campaign focused on preventing gender-based violence, sexual harassment and sexual assault.
2021 NSSS
In 2021 the national survey was conducted from September to October to learn the scale and nature of sexual assault and sexual harassment at universities. More than 43,000 students across Australia responded to the survey, including Curtin students.
- Download Curtin’s 2021 NSSS results [.pdf 314KB]
- View the national results on the NSSS website
- Read the statement from Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne
Reports on progress
- Report on progress – 2022*
- Report on progress – 2021
- Report on progress – 2020
- Report on progress – 2019
*In 2022, Curtin University established the Respect at Curtin Specialist Advisory Committee. This committee incorporates and extends the activities of the former Respect. Now. Always. Steering Committee.