Project aim
This project, funded by the Scottish Funding Council aims to support Scottish universities and colleges effectively develop their response to gender based violence (GBV) and utilise the resources and projects focused on the issue. A series of three webinars which explores various aspects of GBV in Scotland’s universities and colleges form one strand of this short-life project.
Background
For many, home is not a safe and secure place. The COVID-19 outbreak united with current social distancing and self-isolation requirements can be particularly challenging for those experiencing gender-based violence (GBV) and abuse. It will have serious impacts on the ability of victims to source safety. It is vital that those in this situation are reassured that they are not alone and that support services are continuing to operate. The college and university sector has a role to play in working to support victims/survivors who are either staff or students within their institutions. Some issues will be the same across the sector but some will differ. For example, universities are more likely to have students still living in their accommodation.
SFC press release
Advance HE enjoys a close working relationship with SFC. Access for all Scottish colleges and universities to Advance HE’s equality and diversity work is supported by the Scottish Funding Council.
The full SFC press release announcing new support can be accessed below.
Webinars
Gender inequality and gender-based violence against women are structural issues which impact individual lives in different ways. In a series of three webinars we discuss understanding the dynamics of gender based violence, gender based violence in the curriculum and embedding gender based violence in strategy.
If you are unable to attend any of the webinars, full recordings will be available on this page after the webinar has taken place.
Gender Based Violence (GBV): Understanding the dynamics of gender based violence
28 October
This webinar will explore the range of forms of gender based violence included in the Scottish Government’s Equally Safe strategy including coercive control, sexual violence, forced marriage and FGM. Our expert panel will explore what it means to apply a gendered analysis to gender based violence, and what this means for Scottish colleges and universities as they tackle gender based violence.
Our panel of expert speakers includes:
- Anila Mirza, Outreach Team Leader, Shakti Women’s Aid
- Dr Sarah Browne, Student Support Worker, University of Dundee
- Kathryn Dawson, Sexual Violence Prevention Coordinator, Rape Crisis Scotland
- Vic Valentine, Policy Officer, Scottish Transgender Alliance
Gender Based Violence (GBV): Webinar 2 Gender based violence in the curriculum
16 November
This webinar will explore the ways in which gender based violence enters our classrooms and campuses, and the impact of gender based violence for learners. Our expert panel will explore examples of how gender based violence can be included in the curriculum and key considerations for educational developers and other staff working in institutions.
Our panel of expert speakers includes:
- Vanita Sundaram, Professor of Education, The University of York
- Sara Turkington, Equality and Inclusion Advisor, Ayrshire College
- Eurig Scandrett, Senior Lecturer in Sociology, Queen Margaret University
- Pauline Hanesworth, Head of Learning and Teaching, Scotland’s Rural College
Gender Based Violence (GBV): Tackling gender based violence in strategy
2 December
This webinar will examine how Scottish colleges and universities can tackle gender based violence in their strategic development work, including their response to Covid-19 and broader equalities strategies. Our expert panel will explore how to move gender based violence from a stand-alone issue to being at the heart of strategic development in institutions.
Our panel of expert speakers includes:
- Dr Anni Donaldson, Honorary Research Fellow, School of Social Work and Social Policy, University of Strathclyde
- Fiona Drouet MBE, Founder and CEO of Emilytest
- Talat Yaqoob FRSE, Independent Consultant and Researcher
- Clare Fraser, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, West College Scotland
Useful guidance documents
The following is not exhaustive, but represents a range of information produced by experts to help professionals deal with this issue sensitively. This includes as an employer.
- Public Health Scotland’s information leaflets on GBV, providing accessible background information about various forms of GBV
- ESHE guidance for responding to student disclosures of GBV
- Safelives guidance for employers and if you suspect a friend is experiencing abuse during COVID-19
- EndGBV website
- Equally Safe in Higher Education (ESHE) Toolkit