Update on Our Approach to Gender-Based Violence and New Campaign

Content Advisory: The contents of this email refers to gender-based violence. If you would like to access support without reading further, please follow this link, which includes resources on sexual harassment, assault and violence.

Dear students and colleagues,

We are writing to provide an update on progress regarding the University’s approach to Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

Since we released the Morag Ross KC Report in December 2022, which reviewed how we addressed Gender-Based Violence,we have made considerable progress against the actions which came out of the report.

Over the past year we have introduced a range of new measures to improve our approach to tackling GBV, making our policies clearer, resources more accessible, and reporting processes more straightforward. Specifically, these include a full revision of the Student Conduct Policy, the creation of a Safeguarding Team, a restructure of Complaints and Conducts teams, the revision of support and reporting webpages and additional resources in the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) Advice Centre and specialist counselling services.

The report also recommended a University-wide GBV campaign which we have been working on closely with the Students’ Representative Council (SRC). This has involved consultation and focus groups with the other student bodies and societies, and specific colleague consultation to help shape our campaign. A huge thank you to all those who have contributed.

Hailie Pentleton-Owens, SRC President: “We endorse and support this campaign whilst recognising that the University still has a lot of work to do to rebuild trust in its approach to GBV. The SRC will continue to hold the University accountable, ensuring the student voice is heard and GBV support is further improved.”

We will launch the first phase of our ‘Together Against Gender-Based Violence’ campaign to coincide with the UN’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence (25 November – 10 December). Our campaign aims to raise awareness about GBV and highlight support and resources to our community.

Phase one of the campaign will include hosting a number of student-led activities and events, which the whole University community are welcome to join, including a vigil and taking part in the Fight for the Night march, banners and flyers across our campuses as well as an art installation by Glasgow artist Molly Hankinson. You’ll be able visit the art installation on the ground floor of the James McCune Smith Learning Hub.

We’d like to reassure you - this is just the beginning. Further developments include more campaign materials in the new year, reviews of the online reporting tool and colleague care and support. We know we have a long way to go to build back trust. We are committed to tackling Gender-Based Violence on our campuses and ensuring our whole community feels safe and respected.

If you or someone you know has been affected by any form of GBV, please reach out to the support resources highlighted below.

Yours sincerely,

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal & Vice Chancellor

Professor Sara Carter, Gender Equality Champion, Vice Principal & Head of College of Social Sciences Dr David Duncan, Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary

First published: 27 October 2023

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