universities understand the nature and scale of off-campus incidents, provide
opportunities for students to seek support from their faith community if
desirable or ensure students are aware of local NHS services. With regards to
involving other agencies in providing support to a victim, this should only be
done where appropriate and with the consent of the victim (consent may not be
necessary where there is be a clear danger to the victim or others).
Universities should build and maintain partnerships with local specialist services
to ensure consistent referral pathways for students. Institutions need to be
mindful of the limited availability of these services and consider funding
additional support to overcome students accessing specialist support in a timely
manner.
Universities should establish and maintain strong links with the local police and
NHS in order to develop and maintain a strategic partnership to prevent and
respond to violence against women, harassment and hate crime affecting
students.
DRAWING ON GOOD PRACTICE BOTH WITHIN THE UK AND INTERNATIONALLY
129. The evidence gathered by UUK has highlighted a range of good practice within
the UK higher education sector as well as internationally. However, despite this
positive activity there appears to be little awareness of what others are doing.
This is a missed opportunity for the sector.
130. The evidence gathering process has identified a number of case studies. Many
are featured in this report but there is scope to source and share others.
131. UK universities can also learn from the research conducted and the resources
developed in other countries to deal with these issues – for example, in the US,
where the development of policies and initiatives to prevent and tackle sexual
assault is further developed than in the UK.
132. The Taskforce concluded that good practice should be shared as much as
possible.
Universities UK should hold an annual national conference for the next three
years to facilitate the sharing of good practice on matters related to the work of the
Taskforce.
Universities UK should publish a directory of case studies and templates based on
what the sector is already doing (to include reference to international resources
and activities).
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