CHANGING THE CULTURE | Page 28

CHAPTER 2: EVIDENCE FROM UNIVERSITIES 56. As well as analysing published research, stakeholder evidence and official statistics, Universities UK sought evidence from its members to capture existing activity underway across the sector to prevent and respond to incidents of violence against women, harassment and hate crime. 60 universities responded. These responses highlighted a range of initiatives, both planned and implemented. Annexe E contains a number of case studies. Responses also highlighted some of the obstacles and complexities institutions face. HIGH-LEVEL INITIATIVES 57. The evidence gathered by the Taskforce showed that some universities are already implementing high-level strategies to address violence against women, harassment and hate crime. One example is Durham University’s Sexual Violence Taskforce, a high-level working group with representation from across the institution which is featured as case study 4 in Annexe E. UNIVERSITY POLICIES ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN, HARASSMENT AND HATE CRIME 58. Evidence from universities showed that that it is commonplace for institutions to have an overarching bullying and harassment policy in place which covers a wide range of potential incidents. Most institutions do not have distinct policies to deal with hate crime or with sexual violence or harassment explicitly – these issues tend to be dealt with under an overarching policy. 59. Nonetheless, there were some institutions that did report that they had developed a distinct policy on sexual harassment and/or sexual violence. Some universities also referred to providing additional guidance on how to deal with cases of sexual violence under their overarching policy. One example of an institution which has developed its own policy on gender-based violence is the School of Oriental and African Studies (see case study 5 in Annexe E which describes how the institution has worked with local partners and students to improve existing policies on handling incidents of sexual violence). 60. A significant number of respondents reported that in the first instance their policies and guidance on bullying and harassment advised students to try to resolve disputes informally with those involved in the incident. The NUS has raised concerns with this approach as contact between the alleged victim and the alleged perpetrator may not be in the interests of either party. This creates an additional barrier to disclosure if a student victim understandably does not want to, or feels unable to, approach the alleged perpetrator. PROMOTION AND COMMUNICATION OF UNIVERSITY POLICIES 61. A number of universities highlighted awareness-raising and campaigning activity to make students aware of institutional policies and procedures. Much of this has taken place in partnership with students’ unions. Nottingham Trent University is one example of a university that has initiated a programme of cross-institutional awareness-raising to promote its dignity and respect policy 27