The Australian Human Rights Commission released the landmark report.

Some 1.6 per cent of respondents reported they experienced sexual assault in a university setting (including public transport to and from university) in 2015 or 2016.

Some 21 per cent of respondents reported that they experienced some form of sexual harassment in a university setting (not including public transport to and from university) in 2016.

Data was gathered from more than 30,000 university students across all 39 Australian universities.

Charles Sturt University Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann said the survey and its findings were critical to raising the profile of the prevalence of sexual assault and sexual harassment at Australian universities.

Eighteen per cent of the 803 Charles Sturt University survey participants had been sexually harassed at university and 3.3 per cent had been sexually assaulted at university in 2015/2016.

"This behaviour is unacceptable,” Professor Vann said.

“Sexual assault is a crime and we will be redoubling our efforts to reduce these numbers through a broad range of initiatives.”

The figures are not broken down by campus.

The commission provided nine recommendations to universities for reform and further work to improve the prevention of and response to sexual assault and sexual harassment in Australian universities.

Charles Sturt University will adopt all the commission's recommendations.

“Charles Sturt University is already addressing the majority of these through a number of key initiatives such as the roll-out of first responder training to staff to improve their ability to respond and support students who disclose sexual assault or sexual harassment,” Professor Vann said.

University of Newcastle (UON) Vice-Chancellor Professor Caroline McMillen acknowledged the bravery of those who participated in the survey and thanked them for sharing their very personal accounts.

“It takes great courage to tell your story and relive what – for many – are very traumatic experiences,” Professor McMillen said.

Professor McMillen said UON was committed to redoubling its education and prevention strategies, and its focus on support for survivors.

The commission received 30,930 responses in total including 623 responses from UON students.

The survey found that 55 per cent of UON respondents reported experiencing sexual harassment in any location during 2016, and 30 per cent of respondents reported that sexual harassment occurred in a location associated with the university. 

The survey also found eight per cent of UON respondents had experienced a sexual assault at any location during 2015 and/or 2016, and 1.4 per cent of respondents reported that the assault occurred at a location associated with the university.

“The university will continue to work with the broader student community, including survivors and their support networks, and is determined to prevent and address sexual harassment and sexual assault,” Professor McMillen said.

UON has also committed to initiatives based on the survey findings.

If you need support, help is available.

• National university support line: 1800 572 224 (From 31 July to 30 November 2017)

• 1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732

• Lifeline: 131114

• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636