UCC recognises the significant impact that sexual violence and harassment can have on individuals and communities. We are committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive environment where students, staff and visitors feel supported, valued and empowered to seek help when they need it.

We want all members of our community to feel confident that concerns relating to sexual violence and harassment will be taken seriously, treated sensitively and responded to appropriately. Through prevention, education, support and clear reporting pathways, UCC is working to create a culture where dignity, respect and consent are promoted and upheld across the University.

The ESVH Framework

UCC’s work in this area is guided by the Framework for Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment in Irish Higher Education Institutions, a national framework that sets out how higher education institutions can prevent and respond to sexual violence and harassment through a whole-university approach.

The Framework recognises that creating a safe and respectful campus environment requires ongoing action across multiple areas, including

• Training and education
• Ongoing communication and awareness efforts
• School- and unit-based initiatives
• Staff and student services
• Provision of care and support for those affected
• Clear and transparent reporting and complaints processes
• Monitoring and evaluation of efforts

At UCC, these principles inform our approach to prevention, support, reporting, governance and cultural change. Through this work, we aim to foster a campus culture that is safe, respectful and positive for all members of our community.

UCC Policies

UCC is committed to maintaining policies and procedures that support a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all members of the University community.

Relevant University policies and procedures include:

• Sexual Misconduct Policy (currently progressing through the University’s approval process)
• Student Rules
• UCC Standards of Conduct
• Dignity at Work Policy
• UCC Grievance Procedure
• Fitness to Practice Policy
• Fitness to Continue in Study Policy

Reporting

If you would like to disclose an incident, follow the steps below:

UCC STAFF:

1. Informal and Anonymous Reporting - see the Speak Out online reporting tool. Please note that disclosing through Speak Out will not initiate any action on your behalf by the University or anyone else; however, your report will help us understand the patterns and review our policies and procedures.
2. Informal and Local Resolution - please refer to Duty of Respect and Right to Dignity at Work (2020), pp. 11-20.You can contact staffwellbeing@ucc.ie and/or EDI Office at esvh@ucc.ie for information, confidential advice and/or support.
   
3. Formal Complaint and Investigation - please refer to Duty of Respect and Right to Dignity at Work (2020), pp. 11-20. You can contact staffwellbeing@ucc.ie and/or EDI Office at esvh@ucc.ie for information, confidential advice and/or support.
4. If you require immediate psychological and other support, please GO HERE.

UCC STUDENTS:

1. Informal and Anonymous Reporting - see the Speak Out online reporting tool. Please note that disclosing through Speak Out will not initiate any action on your behalf by the University or anyone else; however, your report will help us understand the patterns and review our policies and procedures.
2. Informal and Local Resolution - Please contact campuswatch@ucc.ie and/or EDI Office at esvh@ucc.ie for information, confidential advice and/or support.
   
3. Formal Complaint and Investigation - Please contact campuswatch@ucc.ie and/or EDI Office at esvh@ucc.ie for information, confidential advice and/or support.
4. If you require immediate psychological and other support, please GO HERE.

UCC’s Student Rules set out the standards of conduct expected of all registered UCC students, whether on or off campus, including while on placement or studying abroad. 

UCC Contractors, General Public (for reporting SVH incidents involving UCC staff or students):

1. Informal and Anonymous Reporting - see the Speak Out online reporting tool. Please note that disclosing through Speak Out will not initiate any action on your behalf by the University or anyone else; however, your report will help us understand the patterns and review our policies and procedures.
2. Formal Complaint and Investigation - Please contact hrqueries@ucc.ie for all incidents involving UCC staff members, and campuswatch@ucc.ie for all incidents involving UCC students. You may also contact EDI Office in confidence at esvh@ucc.ie.
3. If you require immediate psychological and other support, please GO HERE.