Urgent need to address sexual harassment and violence in third level education

Published: Thursday, January 27, 2022

Responding to the findings of the national surveys of student and staff experiences of sexual violence and harassment in higher education, launched by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris T.D. today, the National Women’s Council (NWC) called on higher education institutes and Government to address sexual harassment and violence on campus at the highest level and with the seriousness and urgency that it deserves.

Orla O’Connor, Director of the National Women’s Council said,

“Unfortunately, today’s survey results correspond to the findings of earlier research and programmes of students in this area. Sexual harassment and violence on campus are widespread and regular experiences for many students and staff.  NWC is particularly concerned to learn of the high levels of sexual violence experienced by female students, with over 1,100 students disclosing experiences of rape[1].

For the first time the survey also provides an insight into the widespread experiences of sexual harassment by staff, with 60% of respondents saying they experienced sexist hostility. 

 We know that sexual harassment and violence have a serious impact on all aspects of the victim’s lives and their trauma can be compounded by the response from an institution which is not fully prepared to offer adequate protection and support.”

She continued,

“The survey results show the urgent need for higher education institutes to address sexual harassment and violence at the highest level and with the seriousness that it requires. These efforts must be complemented with Government support and funding for initiatives such as consent workshops, bystander intervention programmes and specialist support services, such as rape crisis centres.”

She said,

“NWC welcomes the commitment and actions to create a zero tolerance culture for sexual harassment and violence in third level education by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris and his Department.

It is vital that this whole of campus approach is informed by the experience and expertise of specialist agencies and organisations working directly in the area of violence against women. For many years, NWC has been convening the National Advisory Committee, which brings together representatives from higher education institutions, the HEA, Students Unions and USI, sectoral bodies, sexual violence support services and An Garda Síochána.

The NAC has provided a crucial forum for cross institutional and cross sectoral learning on this issue and we welcome Minister Simon Harris' request today for recommendations from the NAC following today’s report. However, to sustain NWC’s work in this area, we call on Minister Simon Harris to urgently provide ongoing funding for NWC’s NAC and our student led campus campaign, It Stops Now.”

Orla O’Connor concluded,

“Ireland will report for the first time in 2022 on its commitments under the Istanbul Convention on violence against women. The Higher Education Sector has the clear opportunity to show leadership on this issue and demonstrate how to develop an effective path towards the much needed zero tolerance culture for sexual harassment and violence and ensure both staff and students can be safe on campus and in our communities.”

Ends/

For more information, please contact Silke Paasche, Head of Communications, NWC, Tel. 085 858 9104.

Notes to the Editor:

The National Women’s Council (NWC) is the leading national representative organisation for women and women’s groups in Ireland, founded in 1973. We have over 190 member groups and a large and growing community of individual supporters. The ambition of the National Women’s Council is an Ireland where every woman enjoys true equality and no woman is left behind. This ambition shapes and informs our work, and, with our living values, how we work.

We are a movement-building organisation rooted in our membership, working on the whole island of Ireland. We are also part of the international movement to protect and advance women’s and girls’ rights. Our purpose is to lead action for the achievement of women’s and girls’ equality through mobilising, influencing, and building solidarity. More information is available on www.nwci.ie