Tackling Sexual Violence at Universities: An International Perspective

Description

Sexual violence is a problem well beyond universities, however universities are uniquely well placed to contribute to reducing sexual violence, encouraging those affected to come forward and speak about their experiences and actively encourage increased reporting. This book is unique, in that it offers an international perspective on the incidence, reporting and impact of sexual violence at universities. Drawing on evidence from the UK, North America, Australia and Europe, Towl and Walker explore the psychological and structural challenges to reporting sexual violence. They provide a set of policy and practice guidance recommendations that move beyond awareness campaigns to call for systems to be put in place whereby reports of sexual assault are handled promptly, fairly and consistently. They also discuss how universities can strengthen their approach to prevention, promoting safeguarding and the welfare of victims and survivors, and involving victims and survivors in the development and improvement of services. However, fundamental to their approach is keeping decision making with the victim and survivor, and emphasising that their health and recovery is paramount. Tackling Sexual Violence at Universities is an invaluable and ground-breaking resource for students and researchers in forensic psychology and criminology, as well as professionals working in higher education. The authors are donating their royalties in full to Kirklees and Calderdale Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre (KCRASACC), UK, a small registered charity that provides specialist therapy, counselling advocacy and support for survivors of sexual or domestic violence and abuse. Running for nearly 30 years, the centre works with young people and adults over the age of 13. Cover Half Title Series Page Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents Foreword by Alison Johns, Chief Executive, Advance HE Acknowledgements 1. Tackling sexual violence at universities: Themes and perspectives Introduction Individual chapter themes and perspectives Understanding the context References 2. What do we know about sexual violence? Overview Introduction Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW): sexual offence victimisation Criminal conviction histories of convicted sex offenders and reoffending What we don’t know about sexual offending Conclusions References 3. Tackling sexual violence at universities in the UK Introduction Hidden Marks (NUS, 2011) Spotted: Obligations to Protect Women Students’ Safety and Equality (EVAW, 2015) Changing the Culture: The Report of the Universities UK Taskforce Examining Violence Against Women, Harassment and Hate Crime Affecting University Students (UUK, 2016) UUK report recommendations ‘Tackling sexual violence at UK universities: acase study’ (Towl, 2016) Changing the Culture: Responding to Cases of Violence Against Women, Harassment and Hate Crime Affecting University Students (UUK, 2017) Power in the Academy: Staff Sexual Misconduct in UK Higher Education (NUS and 1752 Group, 2018) Some key findings Silencing Students: Institutional Responses to Staff Sexual Misconduct in UK Higher Education (Bull and Rye, 2018) Revolt Sexual Assault Conclusions References 4. Sexual violence on US campuses Overview Introduction Sexual assault on campus The legal framework Prevention programmes Preventing and Addressing Campus Sexual Misconduct: AGuide for University and College Presidents, Chancellors, and Senior Administrators The Trump regime and sexual violence on college campuses: legislation from 2017 onwards Conclusions References 5. Sexual violence at Australian universities Overview Introduction Sexual assault and sexual harassment at university Student survey and cadet review (2011) Group of Eight Australia (2013) Student surveys (2015) The Hunting Ground Australia Project (2015) National student survey on sexual harassment and sexual assault (2016–2017) Sex, ethics and consent training Associated developments Conclusions References 6. Canadian universities and sexual violence Overview Introduction Studies of sexual violence on Canadian campuses Responses to tackle sexual violence on Canadian campuses Conclusions References 7. Reflections on responding to sexual violence in European universities Introduction Universities Supporting Victims of Sexual Violence– USVreact Prevalence Policy Practice The USVreact project Recommendations Conclusions References 8. Tackling sexual violence and misconduct: What do universities in the UK need to do? Introduction Policy Support for victim/survivors and reported parties Nightline Prevention Communications Future directions References Index