Beyond consent: The role of universities in preventing sexual harm

Universities play a significant role in shaping society and culture. In addition to their curricular education, many young people start their independent adult lives, develop their own identity, and undergo formative experiences at university. Students also come together from a multitude of different regions and cultures, bringing with them their own perspectives and views on life.

With the need for stronger and more effective prevention and response to sexual violence, universities have a unique role and a unique set of challenges when it comes to keeping staff and students safe.

Join holistic consent education advocate Chanel Contos, University of Melbourne masculinities expert Dr Stephen Burrell, and the University of Melbourne Provost Professor Nicola Phillips, as they take part in a facilitated discussion and grapple with these questions, with audience Q&A at the end.

About the Panellists:

Chanel Contos (she/her) is the founder of Teach Us Consent, a grassroots campaign that exposed how many school students experience and perpetrate sexual violence in Australia. She has long advocated for holistic consent education to prevent sexual harm. Her campaign started on Instagram and evolved into direct engagement with politicians and sitting and former prime ministers from across the political spectrum to make mandated consent education a priority.

Dr Stephen Burrell (he/him) is a lecturer in Criminology at the University of Melbourne. He completed his PhD at Durham University, investigating the role of men and boys in preventing violence against women in England. His research continues to focus on men, masculinities and violence, and he co-hosts an educational podcast called ‘Now and Men: Current conversations on men’s lives’.

Professor Nicola Phillips (she/her) is the standing deputy to the Vice Chancellor (Provost) and the Chief Academic Officer of the University of Melbourne. The role has responsibility for all of the University’s academic activities, including oversight of nine Faculties. The Office of the Provost oversees and provides strategic leadership in all areas of academic policy, students and education, people and community, and Indigenous strategy and partnerships.

About the Facilitator:

Associate Professor Bianca Fileborn (she/they) is a Senior Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Melbourne. Bianca’s work is concerned with the intersections of identity, space, place, culture and experiences of sexual violence. Bianca is co-author of the University’s newly launched student-facing Preventing Sexual Misconduct training module.