Section Three: Supporting Staff to Change the Culture
Training is crucial in equipping staff in higher education institutes (HEIs) to respond in a supportive, meaningful way to disclosures of sexual violence and harassment (SVH) from members of their campus community.
Six training modules were developed through the Ending Sexual Harassment and Violence in Third Level Education (ESHTE) project, based on needs and issues identified through focus groups and information-gathering with HEIs and other stakeholders.
Designed to encourage a ‘whole campus’ culture change, training manuals and supporting materials for each of the six modules are available from the links below.
Transformative culture change requires all HEI staff to have an awareness of SVH, its manifestations, impacts, and seriousness. However, not all staff require the same in-depth knowledge in relation to how to take disclosures or how to be a designated support person.
Module 1 is a two-hour training module suitable for all HEI staff. This can be developed into an online training; however, face-to-face training is always preferable.
Please note that Modules 1, 2 and 3 are a graduated training module programme.
Supplementary Documents
Module 2 is a seven-hour training, suitable for HEI staff and students who are likely to receive a disclosure, but are not designated SVH support personnel (e.g. academic advisors, student welfare officers, lecturers, general health services providers).
Please note that Modules 1, 2 and 3 are a graduated training module programme.
Supplementary documents
Disclosure Considerations Handout
Module 3 is a two-day training, suitable for designated SVH disclosure and support personnel. These persons are clearly identified and advertised within the institute as part of a disclosure and support process.
Please note that Modules 1, 2 and 3 are a graduated training module programme.
Supplementary Materials
Disclosure Considerations Handout
Module 4 is a five-hour module that should be completed by HEI staff in a Human Resources (HR), SVH investigative, or policy role. The module integrates a trauma- informed approach. Participants should also have completed Modules 1, 2 or 3 as appropriate.
Supplementary Materials
Investigation scenario's handout
Universities Australia: Guideline to University Responses to Sexual Violence and Harassment
This module is a five-hour training intended for Student Unions, student societies, and HEI staff with communication and awareness-raising functions.
The training explores SVH messaging, how to be mindful of issues such as victim-blaming, avoiding re-traumatisation of survivors, and working in collaboration with the student body to deliver effective, targeted cultural change.
Trainer Manual for Design Based Thinking Campaign Development Workshop
Supplementary Materials
Module 6 is a five-hour training that gives HEI and student leaders the opportunity to reflect on the issue of SVH and what practical measures can be implemented to create a cultural shift within the HEI.
This can be delivered as a standalone module.
Supplementary Materials
UN Women, Towards an end to sexual harassment
Feminist Leadership for Social Change
Equally Safe in Higher Education Toolkit
