Tackling misogyny

We are committed to tackling misogyny, harassment and sexual violence against women by taking a proactive stand and a zero-tolerance approach to incidents that fall within these categories.  As part of this commitment, we are working hard to make clear the pervasive and detrimental impact misogyny can have on those experiencing it.

Policy and guidance

Our Tackling Misogyny policy (.pdf) outlines our approach to misogyny, harassment, sexism and sexual violence towards women. The policy will help us create a culture where individuals feel safe and empowered to speak up when they experience or witness examples of misogyny within our community (whether on campus or at home).

In addition to the policy, we have developed some guidance for students and employees (.docx) on our approach and on where they can find help and report any incidents of misogyny, sexism, harassment, or sexual violence. 

If you would prefer to access this guidance in an alternative language, please email the Inclusion Team at inclusion@essex.ac.uk.

Employee training

We want to ensure all employees are trained to ensure we are all able to identify and understand what constitutes misogyny and the different ways it can present itself as well as to be able to combat misogyny or harassment and sexual violence.

A Tackling Misogyny, Sexism and Sexual Violence training for employees has therefore been developed in two parts, which will cover the following information:

• Part 1 of this course will focus on introducing participants to legislative and institutional definitions of misogyny, sexual harassment, and sexual violence. Participants will be encouraged to think about different forms of misogyny and individual and societal impacts of misogyny. Participants will also discuss what sexual violence is and learn to challenge commonly help myths about what causes sexual violence.
• Part 2 of this course will focus on the impacts of sexual violence, abuse, and harassment on the survivor. We will explore possible barriers to disclosure, as well as how to overcome these barriers and how to respond to a disclosure. We will also discuss possible ways to intervene safely in case we witness sexual harassment, abuse or violence. This section will also highlight institutional reporting and support mechanisms.

The training will be delivered 2-5 times annually from 2024-25. Participants must be able to attend both Part 1 (3.5 hours) and Part 2 (3.5 hours).  

Employees are strongly encouraged to attend this important training and may sign up on HR Organiser.