Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris has launched a new guide for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to end sexual violence and harassment.
‘Towards a Zero Tolerance Approach: A Good Practice Guide’ offers practical advice on how to implement the various recommendations of the 2019 framework; ‘Safe, Respectful, Supportive and Positive – Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment in Irish Higher Education Institutions’.
Minister Harris stated, “Today, we have the funding secured to recruit 17 new positions across third level to lead on our objectives. In 2020, consent classes were taken up by 7,306 students. So far this year, 22,569 classes were taken up by students.”
“This has been a joint effort. Today is another important step too.”
“There is a particular responsibility on those charged with educating the next generation to ensure that their students and staff are equipped to lead the change required for a society where sexual violence and harassment are not tolerated.”
The framework address changes to the policies and cultures of HEIs and has recommended that a member of senior management in each institution have responsibility for the implementation of its guidelines.
Institutions will also be instructed to record statistics on harassment, assault, and rape and report them to the Higher Education Authority.
As well as a formal disclosure process, HEIs are also advised to develop an easy-to-use online system for students to disclose and report incidents anonymously.
The guide also recommends that HEIs seek out relationships with local domestic violence NGOs and rape crisis centers, local Sexual Assault Treatment Units, and local Protective Services Units within a Garda Síochána.
Survey data from the Central Statistics Office released last week found that younger people reported higher levels of sexual violence while 80% of those who experienced sexual violence knew the perpetrator.
Orla O’Connor, Director of the National Women’s Council (NWC) said:
“NWC was delighted to partner with the Department of Further and Higher Education on this publication.
“The guide brings together the expertise from Higher Education Institutions, sexual violence services, the Higher Education Authority, An Garda Síochána, women’s and student organisations and specialist bodies. The result is a hands-on tool that centres victim survivors. It will support Higher Education Institutions to continue their leadership role and develop the much needed zero tolerance culture in Higher Education.”
In 2022, the government launched the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV), committing to a whole of government approach to address DSGBV, including actions to progress the work in Higher and Further Education Institutes.