As part of its zero-tolerance policy towards violence, UCLouvain strives to:
- create, through education, a culture of respect and consent: violence is not inevitable;
- break the continuum of violence, by tackling forms of violence that are too often minimised (sexist remarks and “jokes”, for example) and which facilitate the perpetuation of more serious forms of violence;
- emphasise support and guidance for victims, as well as holding perpetrators (including potential perpetrators) accountable.
In this context, UCLouvain has developed a series of tools:
1. Trainings
- Mandatory training for line managers and staff to prevent sexual violence in the workplace.
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An online training, unique in Belgium, available to all students in French (since February 2022) and in English (since May 2022). The training, entitled “Together: Prevention of sexual violence” (available on Moodle), aims to raise awareness of and educate on the different types of gender-based violence and the notion of consent. The training is mandatory for student leaders and student ambassadors.
It concerns us all ; living in a community free of sexual violence.
2. Campaigns
Campaign against sexual harassment and assault (2021-22)
A sticker was produced in 35,000 copies with the message: “Harcèlement ? Agression sexuelle ? Le coupable, c’est l’agresseur ! L’UCLouvain te soutient. Une écoute, une aide psychologique, un accompagnement, un dépôt de plainte, en toute confidentialité” (“Harassment? Sexual assault? The perpetrator is the guilty party! UCLouvain supports you. A sympathetic ear, psychological help, support, formal complaints, in complete confidentiality”). The sticker was included in the welcome pack for new UCLouvain students. It was also displayed in all the university’s accommodation and activity areas, along with emergency phone numbers.
“Together against sexual harassment” (2019-20) institutional awareness campaign
Other campaigns
Each year, the Student Support Service, in collaboration with Univers Santé, organises health promotion activities through awareness-raising campaigns, particularly on the subject of emotional and sexual life. These campaigns deal with themes such as consent, valuing diversity, gender equality, etc. The Together unit joins them as a specialised service for the care of victims.
3. Calls for proposals
A call for project proposals will be launched in 2022-23 to support student initiatives that contribute to raising awareness in the student body.
4. “Les Lou-ves” podcast
The podcast of UCLouvain natives, Les Louv×es, is about sexual violence in higher education. The series is divided into six episodes (everyday sexism, harassment, assault and rape culture). Objectives: to give a voice to students affected by such violence; to deconstruct the mechanisms behind it; to encourage critical thinking. Les Louv×es is a UCLouvain podcast, directed and produced by the Ultra Vagues studio.
5. “App’Elles” app
The “App’Elles” app is now an integral part of the UCLouvain Mobile application. In unsafe or dangerous situations, its users can alert people and call the competent authorities (police, etc.).