Numerous consultation events were held throughout the Task Force. In the later stages of the work feedback was sought on the emergent ideas and proposals, including from student groups such as Nightline, It Happens Here and the Feminist Society. This was invaluable in further developing the approaches that were recommended. The SVTF also commissioned a rapid evidence appraisal.
A key underlying principle in the redrafting of policies and practices was to support the empowerment of students making reports. This was a key test for the policies and practices recommended. The SVTF made sure to focus on the needs of the respondent, in particular to ensure that counselling services were in place for all parties.
A full-time worker was employed in this area and the university more than doubled the level of support provided to students through Rape Crisis. The level of training given to students and staff increased and continues to do so. The main educational focus is on prevention.
Recommendations
1. Have specialist policies and practices in place for addressing reports of sexual violence
2. Ensure that every policy and practice is tested against the organising principle of empowering those who make reports of sexual violence
3. Ensure that there are links with the safeguarding policies, procedures and practices of the university and cases of sexual violence
4. Undertake bystander intervention and consent workshops for students
5. Undertake student leader and staff training on working with those who disclose sexual violence
6. Inculcate training messages across a number of sessions for students and staff
7. Launch a campaign to ensure the visibility of institutional policies and practices in supporting those who report
8. Ensure senior leadership engagement; the Durham SVTF was chaired by a pro-vicechancellor( a member of the university executive)
9. Undertake a case management-based approach in individually assessing and managing each report, working with local partners eg Sexual Assault Referral Centres( SARCs) and Rape Crisis
10. Encourage greater reporting through communications to students and staff
See https:// www. dur. ac. uk / svtf for further details.
CASE STUDY 5: SOAS GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE POLICY Aims and objectives
In January 2016, SOAS, University of London, launched its new approach to preventing and responding to gender-based violence( GBV). The aim was to contribute to sector-wide initiatives to reduce such incidents and ensure a safe campus environment for all students.
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