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PROCEDURAL UNFAIRNESS: SEXUAL ASSAULT AT THE ANU An investigation into the response to an alleged sexual assault at Toad Hall has found that the Australian National University did not follow correct procedure as per the ‘Student Critical Incident’ policy. Despite Protocol for Responding to an Allegation of Recent Sexual Assault’, Woroni’s investigations have found systemic inconsistency between the ANU’s Halls and Residences in applying the correct protocol. The Australian National University has investigated the Head of Toad Hall and Ursula Hall, Dr. Ian Walker, for mishandling the relevant procedures when an allegation of sexual assault was made. The investigation has found that Toad Hall did not act as per the ‘Student Critical Incident’ policy. The alleged assault took place on the 10th of May and member, who then referred the matter to the relevant authorities
for Student Life, conducted the investigation into Dr. Walker’s response to the allegation. On the 31st of July, the investigation’s conclusion was that the University did not follow due process and that Toad Hall did not act as per the ‘Student Critical Incident’ policy or procedure. There had already been allegations of stalking
Dr. Walker interviewed at least two witnesses to the incident. One witness has provided comment, “I didn’t feel that [Dr. Walker] handled the interview well. He didn’t do enough to investigate.” Additionally, Dr. Walker did not refer the matter to the student registrar, which is mandatory as per the governing protocol at the
Chancellor of Student Experience. This resulted in the alleged victim being made to retell her version of events four separate times in
Community Coordinators and student leaders, participated in sexual assault response training. This included a presentation from the Canberra and included responding to scenarios.
was clear about the importance of reporting incidents and that the possible consequences for
the ANU. Woroni contacted all the Halls and
and/or criminal disciplinary procedures.” On the 8th of July, the Australian National to elaborate on sexual assault response and
Sexual assault policy has been inconsistently
they now had a consistent sexual assault policy and how it was applied. Despite the training they had received a week earlier, the Community Coordinators at most of the colleges were unfamiliar with the existence of had a personal or accessible copy that they were able to send through to Woroni. Every Community Coordinator directed Woroni to an
Despite the training the Community Coordinators had received a week earlier, the Community Coordinators at most of the colleges were unfamiliar with the existence
a more suitable contact, many of which were administrative assistants or receptionists. Erin Gillen, Head of the ANU Women’s Department, has previously discussed the importance of standardized reporting mechanisms and the need for centralized positive step in the right direction.” So far the only repercussions for Dr. Ian Walker have been an order to issue an apology to the individual involved.
that sexual harassment is not covered by this The alleged victim then took the matter
of pastoral care, including the Heads of
2014, prior to the alleged assault. These earlier incidents were raised with Dr. Ian Walker when they arose and in response to these incidents, a
The police were not involved in the matter. Two weeks later, the individual who made the report was informed that the alleged perpetrator’s behaviour, “might well have been ‘a matter of mixed signals and misreadings… it is possible that he did not recognise how compromised [she] was.” A strong warning was then issued to the alleged perpetrator, yet no further action was taken.
days after a sexual assault.
policies and procedures, for example, the policy, include reference to the Forensic and Medical Sexual Assault Care (FAMSAC) at Canberra Hospital, which provides medical
Counseling Centre.
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Dr. Jasmine Jury, Head of Fenner Hall, is still completing her investigation into the alleged assault itself. Dr. Stephen Milnes will be the instance. He can be contacted at: stephen.milnes@anu.edu.au. The protocol is available online via: