Study shows ‘concerning’ assault data

AUCKLAND: More than one in four university students in New Zealand say they have experienced at least one form of sexual assault during their studies, new research shows.

It comes after Auckland University of Technology has been the centre of a stalking scandal, with the university investigating fewer than a third of sexual harassment allegations made against it.

The University of Otago also made headlines late last year after former students came forward alleging sexual assaults and rape went under the radar.

Today, research published in the New Zealand Medical Journal revealed nearly 15% of the 1540 students surveyed said they had been raped while at university. That equates to 229 people. Of the 431 students who said they had been sexually assaulted, nearly one third told noone about the ordeal and 93% did not disclose it to a health professional.

‘‘It’s really concerning, it’s also nothing new.

‘‘The issue is really being brought to light and it’s encouraging universities to take action and do something about it,’’ lead author Melanie Beres, an associate professor at Te Whare Tawharau, a sexual violence support and prevention centre at the University of Otago, said.

Researchers said nondisclosure was likely related to feelings of shame, uncertainty about how it would be handled and concerns about secondary traumatisation — when a victim experiences trauma again because of something not related to the assault.

In the survey, sexual assault was classified as nonconsensual sexual contact or attempted sexual contact.

The study aimed to replicate and expand on similar research conducted in 1991 that surveyed sexual assault victimisation and perpetration at universities in New Zealand.

‘‘Surprisingly, little is known about how common it is for university students to experience sexual assault, particularly in New Zealand, and whether they disclose these experiences to health professionals,’’ the researchers said.

The survey showed a high number of alcoholrelated assaults, which researchers said was concerning because victims were more likely to be distressed and blame themselves.

It could also prevent them telling a health professional and could prompt victimblaming, the researchers said.

As a result of the study, the researchers were calling for more assistance to clinicians and other support providers to recognise potential warning signals about sexual assault, and to open up conversations that could help university students talk.

‘‘It would also be helpful to work with the student community in making them more aware of relevant health services that can support victims of sexual assaults.’’

The research was undertaken by Te Whare Tawharau associate professor Melanie Beres; Te Whare Tawharau assistant research fellow Zoran Stojanov; Te Whare Tawharau assistant research fellow Katie Graham; and department of psychology associate professor Gareth Treharne, all of the University of Otago. — The New Zealand Herald