The Framework for ending Sexual Violence and Harassment in Irish Higher Education Institutions was launched on 5 April 2019. The Framework is a policy document from the Department of Education & Skills that sets out expectations in terms of institutional culture, organisational procedures and structures, and targeted initiatives for students and staff.

Framework in higher education institutions (HEIs)

The goal of the Framework is to identify the areas in which HEIs are expected to be active in having a culture that highlights and prioritises sexual assault prevention as an important responsibility, supported by specific, transparent, and accessible policies, and reflected in the direct experience of students. HEIs are expected to be proactive in identifying how existing structures and processes should be adapted to meet these aims, and in working toward the goals set out in the Framework.

Access the framework for HEIs (PDF)

Framework implementation in UCC

UCC’s Framework Action Plan was submitted to the HEA in March 2021. Read the Sexual Violence Framework Action Plan UCC.