Stopping Gender-based Violence in Higher Education

Stopping Gender-based Violence in Higher Education provides a unique insight into how gender-based violence at universities is impacting students and staff and outlines the path toward tangible changes that can prevent it. Bringing together perspectives from academics, activists, practitioners, and university administrators, the book presents a diverse range of voices to constructively critique the field.

Structured in three parts, the book begins by addressing the context, theory, and law that stipulates how universities can effectively respond to reports of gender-based violence. It goes on to discuss the most pragmatic ways to address the issue while contributing to prevention and supporting victim-survivors. Finally, the book advocates for the development of beneficial working partnerships with key external services available to university communities and also working with students as partners in an ethical and safe way. Throughout the book, contributors are invited to demonstrate a comprehensive institution-wide and trauma-informed approach to centre the needs of the victim-survivor and prioritize resources to undertake this vital work. Each chapter ends with a brief summary of key points or recommendations and suggested further reading on the chapter topic. Although the authors draw on research and policy from the UK Higher Education sector, the insights will be a useful resource for those in universities around the world.

This book is an essential reference point and resource for professionals, academics, and students in Higher Education, as well as indispensable reading for activists, policymakers, police, rape crisis groups, and other organisations supporting these universities who want to make meaningful change in reducing, responding to, and preventing gender-based violence in Higher Education.

Clarissa J. Humphreys is a practitioner, trainer, and leading authority on addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in Higher Education. She is currently the Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Manager at Durham University and has clinical experience working with survivors and perpetrators of GBV and with individuals with acute mental illnesses and co-occurring substance use issues.

Graham J. Towl is Professor of Forensic Psychology at Durham University and a former Chief Psychologist at the Ministry of Justice. He was peer (British Psychological Society) nominated as the most influential UK forensic psychologist. His publications on sexual violence at universities include two co-authored books and numerous blogs and articles in Higher Education outlets.