Tackling Misogyny guidance
Our Tackling Misogyny policy (.pdf) outlines the University’s 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 the University community (whether on campus or at home).
In addition to the policy, we have developed some guidance for students and staff (.docx) on the University’s 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
At Essex 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.
From our Tackling Harassment and Violence Against Women action plan, we developed and Launched our Tackling Misogyny, Harassment, Sexism and Sexual Violence Against Women Policy and, as part of the implementation plan, we want to ensure all members of staff and students 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.
Staff training
A Tackling Misogyny, Sexism and Sexual Violence training for staff 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.
Two full sessions (inclusive of both parts) will be delivered –13 March (Part 1) and 27 March (Part 2), and 17 April (Part 1) and 1 May (Part 2) and then delivered twice annually thereafter. Participants must be able to attend both part 1 (3 hours) and part 2 (3 hours) of the sessions.
In order to have the desired impact as an organisation staff are strongly encouraged to attend this important training.
