Exploring experiences of disclosing and reporting sexual violence and harassment to higher education institutions
This completed project was a cross-institutional partnership including researchers from the University of Limerick, University of Galway and University College Dublin which was funded by the Higher Education Authority. It was informed by Action 12 of the Higher Education Authority research project on Ending Sexual Violence in Higher Education. The main objectives of this project were:
- To document and give voice to a range of staff and student experiences of sexual violence and harassment in higher education and to capture the impact on those affected
- To explore survivor experiences of disclosing and reporting sexual violence and harassment to their institution, including but not limited to complaints that were formally investigated, to identify strengths, challenges and lessons.
- To develop evidence-informed recommendations for higher education institutions to enhance support to survivors and improve institutional responses to sexual violence and harassment.
Research Team
The research team for this project included Professor Patricia Mannix McNamara, Professor Margaret Hodgins, Dr Carol Ballantine, Dr Declan Fahie, Professor Pádraig Mac Neela, Dr Caroline Murphy, Dr Sarah MacCurtain, and Dr Niamh Hickey.
Research Outputs
As part of this project, a detailed report entitled “’Heard and Seen and safe’? Experiences of disclosing and reporting gender-based and sexual violence and harassment (GBSVH) in higher education institutions in Ireland” was prepared outlining the project findings and is published on the Higher Education Authority website. To access the project report please click the link here.
Three short, animated videos were also curated to raise awareness of disclosure experiences and to signpost members of the Higher Education community to access information and support related to GBSVH. An information handbook for using these animations is also available here.