A researcher from Victoria University of Wellington says creating an environment where people's experiences are believed is vital to encourage reports of sexual violence.
PhD candidate Samantha Keene, who has been studying sexual violence in university halls, said speaking out was ''often a remarkably difficult thing to do''.
Fear of being judged or disbelieved, or concerns that what happened did not count as sexual violence, were factors for why students might not come forward.
Creating a supportive environment involved making sure student hall residential advisers and managers were equipped to deal with complaints respectfully and confidentially.
It was also key to continually challenge attitudes and beliefs that could support sexual violence. The issue was broader than one university, Ms Keene said.
Recent publicity around harassment, assaults and rapes in tertiary populations was encouraging.
''Given the momentum that has been behind this call to action internationally for many years now, it's great to see New Zealand keeping up with that pace.''
Universities and halls of residences were microcosms of wider society - but she said when it came to sexual violence in tertiary accommodation, she did not know how New Zealand compared with the rest of the world.
Information provided by the University of Otago said 27 complaints of sexual harassment or assault were reported between January 2017 and January 2019. Thirteen led to university disciplinary action, such as trespass, community work, removal or exclusion from residential colleges, fines or formal warnings. The police dealt with two of those cases, both resulting in prosecution. A further six complaints involved police, two resulting in charges being laid.
Otago Te Whare Tawharau centre academic lead Dr Melanie Beres also said 80 people had come through the centre, which dealt with survivors of historic as well as recent sexual assaults, between its opening in May 2018 and May 1 this year.
Rape Prevention Education executive director Debbi Tohill said there were many reasons why people did not come forward, including a hazy recollection of events or fear of being disbelieved.
She said it was worthwhile going to police if the person was comfortable doing so - and there were ''some great support services out there'' to help during the process.
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Comments
I think people reporting assault need to believed that something has occurred and investigation needs to be done. People should not be dissuaded from reporting from fear of potential overbearing or bureaucratic processes.
However real care needs to be taken to ensure confidential, fair and balanced investigations are done and in a timely manner, not dragged out by any party.
I totally support the premise of this article however if a victims recount is automatically believed then an alleged perpetrators guilt is automatically presumed and that is not the way we operate. I'm not saying don't encourage victims to come forward and be supported, or for allegations to be fully investigated just that we need to be careful about laying guilt before it is proven.