Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV)

The University of St Andrews is committed to a zero-tolerance approach to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), of any form, in any setting.

SGBV has no place in our vision for a safe, strong, successful community. SGBV damages health and wellbeing, limits freedom and potential, and is a violation of the most fundamental human rights. All students and staff must be able to study and work in safety. The Equally Safe Group of the University of St Andrews is committed to preventing and eradicating SGBV.

Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is usually experienced by women. Men are statistically the main perpetrators. While being a woman is the main statistical factor for experiencing SGBV, anyone can be affected by SGBV including people who are agender, trans, gender diverse and men. We also recognise that this can be compounded by discriminatory attitudes and behaviours (for example, racism, ableism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and others).

It is important that an intersectional approach is adopted to consider how other aspects of identity (for example, age, disability, race and religion) interact with sex and gender to increase the risk of experiencing SGBV. The Equally Safe in Higher Education toolkit (PDF) provides more information about the importance of intersectionality when considering SGBV.

While SGBV is the overarching term used here and in other University resources, please note that for the purposes of student disciplinary cases, we instead refer to 'sexual misconduct' and 'abusive behaviour, harassment, bullying and victimisation'. Please see the University’s Student Conduct policy (PDF) for the terms we use for these types of misconduct. 

The Equally Safe Group leads our University’s work on tackling SGBV. The group oversees progress against our SGBV actions. The group is co-chaired by Ros Claase, Director of Student Experience, and Jane Illés, Senior Lecturer and Chair of Athena Swan Implementation Group.

Equally Safe reports into the University Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and also provides updates to both the Security Strategy Group and Student Experience Strategic Management Group.

Equally Safe comprises members from across academic schools, professional services and the Students’ Association. Its purpose is to improve the safety and wellbeing of all members of the University community, ensuring appropriate support is available and that the University of St Andrews’ experience is free from any form of SGBV.

A key priority area for the Equally Safe Group is to oversee the delivery of the EmilyTest Charter Action Plan.

Established in Scotland, and supported and funded by the Scottish Government, EmilyTest is the world’s first gender-based violence charter for colleges and universities. The Charter has 40 minimum standards, based around five principles, to instil excellence in gender-based violence prevention, intervention and support.

In November 2023 the University of St Andrews became the first university in the UK to receive the EmilyTest Charter Award, demonstrating our commitment to achieving a campus that is responsible in tackling SGBV.

The University’s SGBV policies, practices and procedures were assessed by a trained independent panel following significant undertakings from staff and students in the bid to achieve accreditation. The Charter is entirely evidence-based and aims to ensure institutions are as safe as possible in preventing and addressing SGBV on their campuses, helping students to live, work and study free from the harms and threats of SGBV.

The application to the Charter was led by a small project team, comprising the Director of Student Experience, Director of Student Services, and Business Transformation. Ongoing actions and progress are monitored by the Equally Safe Group.

Working with the Equally Safe Group, we continue to act on the commitments made as part of our EmilyTest Charter submission. Current areas of focus include:

• standardising language and terminology used across communications, policies and practice relating to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV)
• improving how people find information on our website about available support, including clearer explanations of how processes typically work and any potential implications – for example, relating to funding or visas
• training and education for staff and students on prevention and support
• improving systems such as case management tools and Report + Support
• condinued focus on external partnerships and access to specialist support

There are several ways staff and students can support the University's efforts to prevent and address sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV):

• take part in relevant training, such as SAFE training and Violence Against Women training, about countering and addressing sexual and gender-based violence and supporting those that report it
• familiarise yourself with key policies and guidance, including the sexual misconduct guidance for students and the Report + Support service
• share details of any equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI)-related events you are running by emailing edicomms@st-andrews.ac.uk to help raise awareness and encourage community participation

To give feedback on the sexual and gender-based violence work, or to request a copy of the EmilyTest award report, or if you have suggestions for activities, please contact equallysafe@st-andrews.ac.uk.