I am a Staff Member
The It Stops Now campaign builds a culture of zero tolerance of sexual harassment and violence in third level institutes by raising awareness, and developing training and policy resources for students and staff.
We believe that women students enjoy the right to live and study in an environment free from all forms of sexual harassment and violence. To support our vision, we believe the following messages are key:
- Sexual harassment and violence is a crime and is rooted in gender inequality
- Sex without consent is rape
- Women students are at a higher risk of being affected by sexual harassment and violence which in turn has an impact on students’ performance and wellbeing.
- Women with disabilities and ethnic minority women are likely to be disproportionately affected by sexual harassment and violence.
- Third-level institutes must play a key role in preventing and combatting sexual harassment and violence toward and perpetrated by their students
- Creating a zero tolerance zone requires a whole institute approach, including student leadership, underpinned by a commitment to tackling gender inequality
- Any approach taken should have survivors’ interests and experiences at the centre, and will be strengthened by working in partnership with violence against women agencies.
So what can you do to support the campaign to end sexual harassment and violence against women students in third-level education?
Your college has a responsibility to tackle incidents of sexual violence and harassment. Explore what resources are available for students to support survivors of a sexual assault, harassment, or violence. What type of support is available on and off campus? Is there an appointed, trained staff member who can manage reporting? Who should you speak to if you have experienced assault or if a student has asked you for support? We are developing a Toolkit which will contain models of best practice, suggested resources, campaign ideas, staff training, student workshops and programmes to create zero tolerance zones in third-level institutes. Does your college have a Toolkit? If not, tell them to contact our project team.
If you would like to find out more about how the It Stops Now campaign is working with staff in third-level institutes to combat sexual violence and harassment against women students, please follow us on social media or contact us for more information.
