A new campaign is calling for $600,000 a year for an independent panel to keep universities accountable over sexual abuse complaints. ‘‘These instances have generated significant public backlash, reputational damage to the university sector, and most importantly, harm to those affected by sexual violence,’’ it said. The report also noted that students and staff accused of sexual violence moved universities to avoid investigation and disciplinary procedures. University registrar Chris Stoddart previously said under the university’s sexual misconduct policy and processes, the sexual misconduct action response team appointed by the vice-chancellor and headed by a specifiedco-ordinator had oversight of student sexual misconduct investigations. Education Minister Chris Hipkins said sexual violence was a horrific experience, and anyone subjected to it deserved support.

Source: Otago Daily Times September 22, 2021 16:30 UTC