An examination of the reporting procedures of student-to-student gender-based violence (GBV) at Scottish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)

Reilly, Phoebe J. (2024) An examination of the reporting procedures of student-to-student gender-based violence (GBV) at Scottish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). LL.M(R) thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This research begins by providing the legal and statistical context of gender based violence (GBV), offering prevalence statistics in the criminal justice system and HEIs over the past two decades. It explores how universities should respond based on legal duties and sector guidance, ranging from the Zellick Report from the 1990s to contemporary strategies like Equally Safe in Higher Education. It is noted that data specific to Scotland is limited, and advocates for unique analysis separate from UK-wide surveys.

The primary data in this research focuses on the reporting mechanisms of Scottish HEIs, categorising institutions based on their online reporting tools. The evaluation identifies the Report + Support tool as the most comprehensive option, however at the very least the presence of an online tool for reporting GBV should be present in all HEIs.

A thematic analysis of issues arising when reporting GBV identifies two broad categories: socio-cultural "pull" factors discouraging reports, and procedural "push" factors causing distress. The analysis primarily focuses on pull factors, due to the ease of obtaining information on pre-reporting steps, acknowledging challenges in assessing post-report actions.

Conclusions highlight the lack of consistency across Scottish HEIs in supporting students reporting GBV and make four recommendations to achieve greater uniformity including reassessing funding, establishing a minimum standard of good practice, centralising procedures, and involving students as key stakeholders.

• Item Type: Thesis (LL.M(R))
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Subjects: K Law > K Law (General)
• Colleges/Schools: College of Social Sciences > School of Law
• Supervisor's Name: McPherson, Dr. Rachel and Gill, Professor Chris
• Date of Award: 2024
• Depositing User: Theses Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:2024-84119
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 14 Mar 2024 16:29
• Last Modified: 14 Mar 2024 16:31
• Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.84119
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/84119