St George’s selected to take part in pilot combating sexual misconduct in higher education.

Published: 22 January 2020

St George’s, University of London have been selected as one of five universities in the country to undertake a two-year pilot, led by Against Violence & Abuse (AVA), a leading national charity that is committed to ending gender-based violence and abuse.

The project, entitled #Combatmisconduct, will involve St George's, University of London and the Student’s Union working with AVA, Universities UK and the National Union of Students to help develop on-going work around the prevention and management of sexual misconduct.

As well as contributing to nation-wide prevention and management of sexual misconduct in higher education, it will allow the University to develop an institution-wide approach to tackling sexual misconduct. It will also provide an opportunity to build upon existing work around this topic at St George’s.

Currently, St George’s embed mandatory sexual consent and bystander training workshops in all courses for students to attend during Fresher’s week. This training is carried out through peer-led interactive small group sessions, conducted by trained student peer-supporters. The sessions cover key areas including definitions of assault and harassment, understanding consent and barriers to reporting. There is also a focus on staff and student roles in creating a safe and positive community that is free from sexual harassment and misconduct.

This pilot will also provide the creation of new resources to support students and training opportunities for staff.

Dr Ban Haider, Senior Clinical Lecturer in Primary Care in the Institute of Medical and Biomedical Education, and project lead for #Combatmisconduct at St George’s said,

“Being chosen to be part of #Combatmisconduct will allow St George’s to build on the work that has been developed to empower students and enhance our strategic approach to tackling sexual misconduct and abuse. The project will involve feedback from staff and students being used to contribute to the review of our University policies and the creation of new resources to support students.”