IT Sligo Back’s Minister on Zero Tolerance Around Sexual Harassment
IT Sligo Back’s Minister on Zero Tolerance Around Sexual Harassment
IT Sligo welcomes the announcement from Minister for Further & Higher Education, Simon Harris TD around the creation of a culture of zero tolerance on sexual harassment and violence.
Speaking with the Irish University Association, Minister Harris said students and staff are entitled to a safe environment to study and work.
“We must work together to create a culture of zero tolerance, where education around consent is a requirement and not an option, not just for the students, but also for those teaching and guiding them.”
IT Sligo, where education for students around sexual consent is a requirement, reaffirms its commitment to ensure a safe environment to study and work, free from harassment or violence.
IT Sligo has already responded to a letter from the Minister asking for specific institutional action plans on tackling sexual violence and harassment in third level institutions.
Mr Harris pointed to the lack of data indicating the extent of the problem and inconsistent recording of incidents by HEIs as a substantial barrier to tackling these issues.
As part of it’s action plan, IT Sligo will be reporting statistics annually to the Higher Education Authority (HEA).
“As part of working to improve this, a survey will be undertaken on harassment, sexual harassment and bullying of both staff and students in our higher education institutions,”
“The survey will commence in the new year, and the Higher Education Authority is working closely with the higher education institutions in this regard.
“It is essential the voice of students and staff is at the centre of what we do and this survey will allow us to hear directly from them.”
The 25th of November was the UN Day For the Elimination of Violence against Women and marked the beginning of the 16 Days of Action Against Gender Based Violence. This annual international campaign runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day.
Women’s Aid Ireland and regional domestic violence agencies are organising various events around the country in support of the campaign. The Woman’s Aid campaign is focused this year on Intimate relationship abuse, including online abuse, against young people (18-25 years).
Further information and support can be found here:
https://www.womensaid.ie/about/campaigns/16days.html
Support Service Details:
Women’s Aid National Freephone Helpline: 1800341900
Domestic Violence Advocacy Service Sligo/Leitrim/West Cavan: 0719141515
Donegal Domestic Violence Service: 1800 262677
Men’s Development Network / Advice Line: 051-844260