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
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