I am a Student
The It Stops Now campaign aims to create a zero tolerance approach to sexual harassment and violence towards women students by addressing the myths and misunderstandings about rape, sexual consent, and sexual harassment.
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.
Have you experienced sexual violence or harassment, and are in need of emergency assistance and support?
So what can you do to support the campaign to end sexual harassment and violence against women students in third-level education?
1. Become an Active Bystander
The Bystander approach encourages the community to take ownership of sexual violence as a problem, and to take action if a potentially dangerous situation has been witnessed. Bystander Intervention programmes teach students and staff how to recognize suspicious or risky behaviour, and to directly or indirectly intervene to protect someone. Speak to your student union representatives or faculty staff to find out if your institute offers Bystander Intervention training.
2. Understand Consent
Help create a culture where sex is fun and centred on on mutual consent. Consent workshops and awareness campaigns are being rolled out across third level institutes throughout the European Union (EU). Check with your faculty or student union as to whether there are resources for consent workshops or seminars aimed at students.
3. Break the Silence
Breaking the silence is key. You may see or hear things that perpetuate a culture of sexual violence like sexist statements or jokes about sexual violence and harassment. These comments may seem trivial, with potentially little or no impact. However, they may make your fellow students feel unsafe and unwanted. If you experience this type of behaviour, you should speak up and explain why this is NOT OK!
4. Know your Campus Resources
Your college has a responsibility to tackle incidents of sexual violence and harassment. Explore what resources are available for students in terms of support for survivors of 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 you have witnessed harassment? 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 the ESHTE project.
5. Become an Activist
Empower yourself. Students have the power to build a strong zero tolerance culture on campus and beyond! Become a champion against sexual violence and harassment at third-level education and form your own activist group to ensure your voice is being heard, to mobilize your institute and to promote real change!
