We will be using three methods: i) Surveys; ii) Focus Groups and iii) interviews (see below for further information to opt-in).
Surveys
All staff and students are invited to complete the surveys. The surveys gather information about university policies, communication strategies, institutional supports, due process (for both survivors and perpetrators), and barriers to reporting. The surveys ask participants about personal experiences with sexual harassment or violence on campus, including incidents that they may have witnessed and disclosures received from survivors of sexual harassment or violence. In addition, the surveys inquire about respondents’ knowledge of sexual violence support and policies at their respective universities , The surveys also aim to gather respondents’ perceptions of their university’s ability to balance free expression, privacy, safety, protection, due process, and sustainable supports for sexual violence survivors.
The data gathered from these surveys will contribute to development of future university policies. Our data will further inform innovative, student-relevant curricula to address sexual violence and consent undertaken by the two other IMPACTS Projects: Activism in Arts, and Popular Culture and News & Social Media. Findings will also be applied to other projects that our partnership will undertake, which will include scholarly research, university- and community-based programming, and artistic and journalistic projects addressing sexual violence.
Focus Groups
Focus groups will present preliminary findings from the student surveys and engage in a dialogue about the campus climate. The first set of focus groups will investigate students’ understanding of university policies, processes and legal remedies related to campus sexual violence. The second set of focus groups will investigate the role of art, activism, and various media in perpetuating and addressing campus sexual violence.
Interviews
Interviews will help to gain a deeper insight on their understanding of the climate at the university, as well as to gather recommendations for improving the university’s response to sexual violence.
Members
Project lead: Dr Khatidja Chantler