Welcome to a seminar on gender-based violence in academia. Anne Laure Humbert (Oxford Brookes University and visiting researcher at the University of Gothenburg) and Anna Bull (University of York) will present their research looking at how the issue is addressed in academic institutions across Europe.
About the seminar:
This seminar will examine dynamics of reporting gender-based violence and sexual harassment within academic institutions across Europe and the UK. Two presentations will explore how institutional responses, shaped by deeply ingrained gender regimes, affect the outcomes and experiences of individuals reporting such incidents. Through a combination of multilevel quantitative analysis and qualitative research, the session will highlight the challenges posed by current reporting mechanisms and discuss potential strategies for creating more effective and supportive environments within academic settings. Anne Laure Humbert will present data from an extensive survey conducted across 15 European countries, focusing on the academic consequences for those who report gender-based violence. These findings emphasise that the severity of consequences is related to the victims' confidence in institutional responses. This confidence not only impacts the academic repercussions but also acts as a protective factor, particularly among staff members, reducing the negative academic impacts associated with reporting gender-based violence incidents. Anna Bull will discuss findings from interviews with students and staff in UK higher education who have navigated formal reporting processes for gender-based violence or harassment. This presentation will demonstrate how institutional gender regimes—through aspects like power dynamics and gender-neutral policies—critically influence the stages of formal reporting, from evidence collection to assessment, often undermining the success of such complaints. Both presentations will argue for the necessity of systemic changes—beyond mere procedural adjustments—to address the underlying causes of gender-based violence and harassment. They will propose fostering a culture of respect, building trust in institutional processes, and establishing more effective, gender-sensitive reporting mechanisms as essential steps toward this goal. This session aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how gender dynamics and institutional processes intersect, fostering a dialogue on evolving academic institutions to ensure justice and support for all, especially those vulnerable to gender-based violence.