Over 260,000 people are being asked to take part in a sexual violence and harassment survey.
The Higher Education Authority is launching the poll.
It will ask people to detail any non-consensual sexual experiences they’ve had.
As well as question their knowledge of the policies in place at their college or IT.
Minister Harris has demonstrated great leadership at the helm of @DeptofFHed tackling this issue. This survey on sexual violence on campuses will hopefully allow for the tracking of data & lead to better protections & systems for all. Grma @SimonHarrisTD https://t.co/uqkyiSjQeE
— Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin 🇺🇦 (@aoibhinn_ni_s) April 11, 2021
USI Helped Create Sexual Harassment Survey
This new study aims to “open a conversation” about sexual harassment on campus.
The Union of Students in Ireland worked with the Higher Education Authority to create the survey.
Vice President for Welfare Clare Austik says they'll use the findings for long term plans to tackle the issue:
She says she'll know "in a couple of years" if the work that's underway now is beneficial.
The annual reports will be helpful, Clare says, in reflecting on it.
Today Minister @SimonHarrisTD launches @hea_irl national survey on sexual violence and sexual harassment for staff and students in Higher Education Institutions. More info https://t.co/LZVwpKeXPB pic.twitter.com/wtZzpeHfZo
— Department of Further and Higher Education (@DeptofFHed) April 12, 2021
DRCC Has Welcomed The Survey
Chief Executive at the Dublin Rape Crisis Noeline Blackwell has welcomed the survey.
However she says it’s taken some years for those in charge to to address the problem.
"For years they've been highlighting the fact that the institutions were not dealing with sexual violence."
"We're at the stage where institutions are taking it seriously now."
Finally, Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris says he will use the findings to shape policies and action plans.
Additionally, the Minister says he will provide an update for the Cabinet later this month.
