The National Women's Council of Ireland (NWCI) has partnered with Ending Sexual Harassment and Violence in Third Level Education (ESHTE) in a new campaign, #ItStopsNow. The campaign has come about as an answer to the growing problem of sexual violence and harassment faced by third-level students. It calls for a collective action to ensure the safety, equality and full participation of every student.

Staggering statistics

31% of women students in Ireland have reported feeling harassed in their current educational institution, with one in four experiencing unwanted physical groping. Research shows that women from marginalised groups are most at risk. Particularly those living with disabilities or from migrant or ethnic minority communities.

Campaign Co-ordinator Tara Brown stated that “The highest risk factor in experiencing sexual violence is simply being a woman. In Europe, women and girls represent 8 out of 10 victims of sexual assault. This is particularly prevalent amongst women aged 18 – 25." Evidently there is a critical need to raise awareness of sexual harassment and violence issues, and to eradicate the harmful behaviours which impede women’s equality, safety and active participation in the college experience.

"‘It Stops Now’ builds on the momentum of movements like #MeToo by empowering students to lead change by ending victim-blaming attitudes,  believing and supporting survivors, challenging toxic behaviours, and understanding and ensuring genuine consent”, Brown continues.

The main aim

This campaign enables third level institutes to share responsibility. In raising awareness, colleges across Ireland can build a "culture of zero tolerance which prevents and combats sexual harassment and violence, both on and off campus", Brown believes. "‘It Stops Now’ builds on the momentum of movements like #MeToo by empowering students to lead change by ending victim-blaming attitudes, believing and supporting survivors, challenging toxic behaviours, and understanding and ensuring genuine consent”.

‘It Stops Now’ is informed by extensive research and student focus groups across four European countries. It showcases the experiences and perspectives of students on issues of sexual violence and gender inequality, ranging from incidents of rape, groping, stalking and catcalling to online harassment, secret filming, and the sharing of private or unsolicited, explicit images. Under-reporting of these issues remains a significant problem, with only 3% of students reporting incidents to their institute or An Garda Síochána.

Director of NWCI Orla O’Connor said, “The ‘It Stops Now’ campaign envisions a future where women students do not have to contend with sexual harassment and violence. Working with all stakeholders and participants in third-level life, the campaign promotes meaningful institutional and cultural change. This includes the development of policy frameworks which outline effective reporting and disclosure channels, offer positive support services, and provide ongoing training to ensure a long-term, progressive impact”.

The action plan

Posters, stickers and other material will be displayed in third level institutes nationwide in association with NWCI and ESHTE. Staff training, outreach and institutional resources to be unrolled in the coming months as well. A promotional video is live now to raise awareness of the issue, view below.

The @itstopsNow_EU campaign aims to end sexual violence and harassment at third-level. Students have the right to study and live in a respectful environment yet 31% of women students have reported feeling harassed in their educational institution. #ItStopsNow @ItStopsNow_EU pic.twitter.com/TBNCNIkVeS

— Womenscouncilireland (@NWCI) October 25, 2018