Tackling sexual harassment and violence in FE
Rape Culture: the normalisation and trivialisation of sexual violence through attitudes, thoughts, and behaviours within society or an environment.
‘Boys will be boys’
Rape
Cat-calling
Sexual assault
Inappropriate touching
Stalking
Unsolicited nudes
What are the issues?
We have witnessed an increase in our awareness and understanding of sexual violence and harassment. Victims and survivors are more willing to speak out about instances of abuse and violence perpetrated against them.
We cannot be complacent in further education.
Everyone's Invited is an initiative launched in 2020 to address sexual violence and harassment. It provides a platform for young people to share their experiences, with over 50,000 testimonies gathered. The initiative emphasises the need for change and safe environments for learning and work.
An NUS survey of 544 FE students in 2018 showed that 75% had experienced peer-on-peer sexual violence and one in three had experienced sexual harassment at college.
The NUS report highlighted this issue largely affects girls and women, though LGTBQ+ and disabled students are also vulnerable.
Sign Our Pledge
I pledge to tackle sexual harassment and sexual violence in my organisation #EnoughIsEnough.
Signees:
Alison Andreas, Colchester Institute
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Beth Breeze, The University of Huddersfield
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Donna Harfield, East Sussex College
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Jo Buckley, Plumpton College
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Alison Andreas, Colchester Institute - Beth Breeze, The University of Huddersfield - Donna Harfield, East Sussex College - Jo Buckley, Plumpton College -
Take Action
Join Our Next Community Of Practice:
Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls in
Adult Community Education Settings
Communities of practice are groups of people who share similar job roles. Through discussion and interaction we develop better practices and find solutions to tackle issues.
Delivered on Zoom the CoP will be led by Helen Osborne (HOLEX Associate- former ACE service Principal and WLN Director) and Kathryn James (EDI specialist and WLN Director).
During the course, we cover topics such as the evidence base and language, organisational mapping, allyship and working with colleagues, safeguarding or behaviour issues, learner engagement, employer engagement, resources and other sources of information in regards to tackling violence against women and girls.
This is an interactive course (lots of talking and sharing!) and we can build in other topics depending on participants' needs.
This CoP is for those in Adult and Community Education services.
The CoP is running next year (2025) from 9.30am – 11am on the 24th January, 28th February, 28th March, 25th April, 23rd May and 27th June.
The gap in between sessions gives you a chance to try out actions and share results and benefit from peer mentoring.
The cost is £200 pp for 6 sessions.
There are 15 places available.
View our resources
Starting the discussion with those who are leading the sector in tackling sexual violence in FE.
WLN and Inspire Education Group webinar on tackling sexual harassment and violence in FE. With thanks to the ETF, AoC and the inclusive leadership programme funded by the DfESecond.
Kathryn James is bringing women leaders together across the UK, to provide strategic leadership around tackling sexual violence against women and girls in FE.
Please contact Kathryn via our Contact button below, to find out more.