National Student Safety Survey

Four students working on computers in a classroom in Rockhampton
NSSS WebsiteNSSS FAQs

Every student has the right to feel safe, respected and included – on campus and beyond.

Sexual violence and harm remain a persistent reality across Australian society, including in our universities. As places of learning, research and community, Universities play a critical role in prevention, education and creating cultural change grounded in respect and care. 

The 2026 National Student Safety Survey (NSSS) is an important part of this work. It gives students an opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives, helping build an evidence base to inform prevention, improve support and drive meaningful action across the sector.

The survey is being conducted across Australian universities by independent research organisation Roy Morgan on behalf of Universities Australia, with participation open from 1 - 29 September 2026.

Survey Participation

Eligible students may receive an invitation through their student email to participate directly from independent research organisation Roy Morgan via [email protected].

Who is eligible?

You do not need to have experienced sexual violence or harm to take part. 

If you are a living in Australia and currently enrolled in a course as a higher education student at CQU or another participating university, and are 16 or older, you will receive an email with a unique link inviting you to complete the survey.

Frequently Asked Questions are available from the Universities Australia website.

Participation is voluntary and confidential. Individual survey responses will not be shared with CQU, and students can stop the survey at any time.

Your Voice Matters

The NSSS gives eligible students an opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives. 

The survey is for all eligible students, and every student’s perspective matters.

If you choose to participate, your experiences and perspectives can help inform positive change and contribute to safer campuses for current and future students. 

Support Services

Some topics covered in the survey may be sensitive or distressing. Students are encouraged to prioritise their wellbeing and access support if they need it.

Support is available before, during and after participation.

At times, our reactions to a distressing event may not occur for several weeks or even months following the event. Please keep these support options in mind and don't hesitate to reach out.

CQU Safer Communities Unit

Safer Communities Unit provides confidential, trauma-informed support to students who experience or witness harmful behaviour, including sexual violence, domestic and family violence, gender-based violence, harassment, racism, discrimination, and bullying. The behaviour might be occurring online, on campus, at placement, student accommodation, a study hub or in community and could be occurring recently or historically. 

For support outside of hours, access our Out of Hours Student Support Line via phone 1300 226 987 or text 0480 097 747.

You can contact the Safer Communities Unit to:

  • Talk through what has happened.
  • Access emotional support and safety planning.
  • Explore your options, including formal and informal pathways.
  • Make a disclosure or formal report.
  • Explore the complaints process.
  • Consult with a prevention or response coordinator about code of conduct concerns.
  • Log a record of harmful behaviour using the online disclosure tool.

Report a harmful behaviour through our online disclosure tool.

If you or someone you know has experienced harassment, racism, discrimination, violence, threats of harm, or any form of sexual misconduct, you can make a report using our Harmful Behaviour Disclosure Tool to let us know. 

A disclosure is not a formal complaint. If you are unsure how to manage something that you have witnessed or experienced, it is still important and relevant to log a disclosure. 

What to expect next after reporting a harmful behaviour.

All disclosures are responded to within 72 hours (business hours).

Once a disclosure is received by the Safer Communities Unit, the team will review the information, consider any immediate safety risks, and, if you have provided contact details, reach out to you to offer support. Together with a response coordinator you can explore options, including whether you would like to pursue a formal report, access wellbeing support or other internal referrals, consider external referral options or take no further action.

You may choose to remain anonymous when using the disclosure tool.  While this means we may not be able to contact you or offer direct support, your disclosure is still important. De-identified disclosures help inform targeted prevention strategies and track themes of behaviours that may be happening across cohorts, campus locations, or placement sites.

CQU Counselling Services

CQU offers free and confidential counselling services to all students. The Counselling team is available between the hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (AEST), Monday to Friday, and aims to assist students with any issues that may negatively impact their studies. 

If you are not a current student, visit our Counselling and Wellbeing webpage to learn more.

If you are currently studying with us, you can learn more about CQU counselling and wellbeing services on MyCQU.

CQU Out of Hours Student Support Line

Our Out of Hours Student Support Line offers free after-hours support from qualified crisis responders for emotional distress, safety concerns, and wellbeing guidance. 

The person you speak with will be caring and empathetic and will talk with you collaboratively to ensure you feel empowered during the process. 

Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) Team

Our Therapeutic Caseworkers are here to provide SEWB therapeutic interventions that nurture and reflect the holistic understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. 

To contact the Social and Emotional Wellbeing Team, please email [email protected].

Contact Student Counselling on 07 4930 9456 (8:30 am and 4:30 pm (AEST), the CQU Out of Hours Student Support Line on 1300 226 987 or text 0480 097 747 (outside business hours).

If you’re a current student, you can learn more about services, events and opportunities offered by the SEWB Team on MyCQU.

The following national services are also recommended for anyone who has found this content distressing.

NSSS Counselling Line

The National Student Safety Survey Counselling Line offers free and confidential support from trained counsellors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This counselling line is provided by Full Stop Australia, an independent organisation, which is a specialist sexual, domestic and family violence support service.

Other available Mental Health Services and Crisis Lines

  • 1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732 (24/7 Telephone support) – National sexual assault, domestic and family violence telephone counselling service
  • DV Connect: 1800 811 811 (24/7 Telephone support, referral and refuge) – Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence National Help Line
  • SASS: Sexual Assault Support Services throughout Australia: 1800 697 877 – Sexual assault counselling for victims, and friends and family in their support system
  • Bravehearts: 1800 Brave 1 (1800 272 831) – Child sexual assault counselling services and reporting
  • Blue Knot Foundation: 1300 657 380. Empowering recovery from complex trauma
  • Suicide call back service: 1300 659 467 – 24 hour counselling for anyone affected by suicide
  • 13YARN: 13 92 76 (24 hours/7 days) – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters to yarn to
  • Thirrili (Indigenous Suicide Services): 1800 805 801 – after suicide support
  • Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36 – information and support for anxiety, depression and suicide prevention
  • Headspace: 1800 650 890 – Online and telephone support for young people and families
  • Mensline Australia: 1300 789978 – Telephone and online support, information, and referral
  • Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 – Telephone and online counselling support for ages 5 to 25
  • SANE Australia: 1800 18 7263 – Information for mental illness, treatment, and support
  • QLife: 1800 184 527 – 3pm to midnight, daily - anonymous and free LGBTI peer support
  • Lifeline: 13 1114 – 24 hour crisis counselling
  • Translating & Interpreting Service: 13 14 50

Find more information about Australia-wide university support and safety services on the Universities Australia website.

For technical issues accessing or completing the survey, or to request a hardcopy questionnaire, contact the Roy Morgan Help Desk or 1800 687 254.

Students who request a hardcopy questionnaire will receive one by mail, together with a reply-paid envelope for its return.

Survey Results

Survey results are expected to be released in 2027. 

The findings will help inform prevention efforts, strengthen support services and support continued action across the sector.

Read the previous survey reports and response to these findings.