Sexual violence task group

I need support, what do I do?

Please see this list of support services across the UK [207kb] where you can seek support for issues relating to sexual violence, including a dedicated phone line for UCU members.

Report

The group published a report in December 2021. This report highlights just how prevalent the issue is for those working in tertiary education across the UK, particularly for those in marginalised groups. The extensive analysis and wide-reaching recommendations produced will serve as a hugely important addition to UCU's work to challenge all forms of sexual violence, building carefully on the union's previous work in this area.

Download the report here: UCU sexual violence task group report 2021 [2mb]

( (Black & white version also available) [1mb]).

What happens next?

Actioning the recommendations tackling sexual violence

This page will now be used to provide a running, regularly updated account of everything that is being done within UCU to respond to and act on the task group's report. These will include (but not be limited to): 

• alternative mechanisms for members to disclose sexual violence and get support 
• enhanced provision of UCU's sexual harassment training programme 
• guidance to help members and reps protect themselves from retaliatory defamation proceedings by (alleged) perpetrators.

Please check this page regularly and look out for updates in UCU's Friday emails. 

Existing guidance for UCU branches 

Please also see UCU's guidance to branches on tackling workplace sexual harassment - this is a crucial starting point which branch officers and reps should be aware of when representing members, campaigning on this issue and bargaining with their employer.