Projects
UniSAFE - Ending Gender Based Violence
Gender-based violence is a complex and widespread phenomenon in our society and therefore also a part of universities and research institutions. Although the topic is becoming increasingly important in politics and science, gender-based violence in research institutions is still barely reported and too little researched.
As one of 46 European universities from 15 countries, TU Dresden was participating in the UniSAFE research project that aims to gain in-depth knowledge about gender-based violence and sexual harassment in research institutions and to translate this knowledge into practical tools for universities and research institutions.
Methodology
To develop the necessary knowledge to combat and eradicate gender-based violence, the UniSAFE project relies on an ambitious comparative multi-level research design and a holistic analytical model.
One main focus of the project was on collecting empirical evidence of the prevalence of gender-based violence, understanding how this relates to its determinants and consequences. The research had been looking into how prevalence responds to the roles of university and research organisations in preventing, protecting, prosecuting, providing services, supported by policies and partnership (see model). Each of these mechanisms was investigated on national, organisational and individual levels.
Results
NEARLY 2 IN 3 RESPONDENTS HAVE EXPERIENCED GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
ALMOST 1 IN 3 RESPONDENTS HAVE EXPERIENCED SEXUAL HARASSMENT.
Among respondents who had experienced gender-based violence, only 13% reported it.
For some key findings of the UniSAFE survey, published in 2022, click here.
Based on the available research data, a toolkit was finalised that universities can use to implement measures to combat gender-based violence. It can be viewed at https://unisafe-toolkit.eu/.