learn > news

Latest News

It Stops Now: students take a stand against sexual violence and harassment

Published: Thursday, March 05, 2020

Today, students across Ireland are taking a stand against sexual violence and harassment in third level education, as part of the nationwide It Stops Now campaign is being run by the National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI), the Union of Students Ireland (USI) and student unions all over Ireland. The campaign is part of a host of International Women’s Week activities across Ireland and globally.

The campaign will see students from USI, UCC, Athlone IT, Maynooth University, NCAD, UCD, Waterford IT, IT Carlow, Carlow College, DCU, TCD, TU Dublin (City Campus, Blanchardstown Campus and Tallaght Campus), and NUI Galway all taking part in this year’s event. There will be murals, banners, posters and social media activity throughout the day.

Hayley Mulligan, Violence Against Women Officer art NWCI said,

“This high visibility campaign aims to tackle the harmful behaviours which prevent students from being able to safely and equally participate in college life by driving change through awareness, training and support structures. The events taking place this week play an important role in this, reminding us all of our shared responsibilities in creating a culture of zero tolerance to sexual violence and harassment, both on and off campus.”

Hayley Mulligan continued,

“One in four women in Ireland will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. Sexual assault doesn’t exist in a vacuum: catcalling, sexist jokes and ‘slut shaming’ lay the foundations of a sexual violence culture. The It Stops Now campaign calls on each of us to play and active role in challenging toxic behaviours, ending victim-blaming attitudes, and believing survivors. It is fantastic to see the engagement of students on this campaign. Empowering students to lead change is essential, because the values they take from their college experience will shape a better, more equal society for everyone.”

 Ends /

For more information, please contact Sarah Clarkin, Communications and Social Media Coordinator, 085 8619087.