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On Monday 25 November 2024, we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a global effort to raise awareness of and combat gender-based violence.

Women’s rights activists have observed this day since 1981 to honour the memory of the Mirabal sisters, political activists from the Dominican Republic who were murdered in 1960 on the orders of Rafael Trujillo, the country’s ruler.

The United Nations formally recognised this day in 2000 to highlight the pervasive issue of violence against women and girls.

At Sussex, we stand with the global community to recognise this day and support efforts to eliminate violence in all its forms.

University support for staff and students

Our new Dignity, Respect, and Inclusion Policy underlines Sussex’s commitment to creating a culture where dignity, respect, and inclusion are foundational principles. This policy emphasises our dedication to fostering a positive environment for all staff and students, reinforcing our shared responsibility to ensure that everyone feels valued, respected, and included.

Through this policy, we aim to actively support our community by addressing behaviours that undermine respect and inclusion, and by providing clear pathways for support and resolution. Our approach is part of a broader commitment to cultivate a safe, supportive campus where diversity is celebrated, and everyone can thrive. For more on this policy and our initiatives, please visit our Dignity, Respect and Inclusion Pages.

• Report and Support: Sussex staff can access a variety of support services if they have experienced violence or harassment. The University provides a Report and Support Tool  for staff and students to report incidents of sexual misconduct, domestic violence, or hate crime and access the support they need.
• Gender equality commitments: For more information about our gender equality work, please visit our Gender Equality Landing Page.
• Athena Swan: You can read about our commitments under the Athena Swan  framework, reflecting our dedication to promoting gender equality at both University-wide and School levels,
• Students who have experienced sexual assault, unwanted sexual attention, or any form of violence can receive tailored support from the University’s Sexual & Domestic Violence Response Advisor. Learn more here: Sexual and Domestic Violence Response Advisor

For advice and guidance on a range of issues, students can contact the Student Centre.

For immediate assistance, visit Getting help : University of Sussex for emergency contacts, on-campus and off-campus resources, and information on ongoing support services.

Events for students

Wednesday 27th November 2024: Join an engaging and essential workshop on consent, run by the Survivors' Network. The link to register is: Consent Training Workshop: Book here 

Thursday 28th November 2024:  RISE and the Victim Support Domestic Abuse Support Service will be visiting campus to run a stall at the Student Centre between 12-2pm. RISE is an independent, Brighton-based charity that helps people affected by domestic abuse.

Check out our online wellbeing campaign over the next 16 days on Instagram @universityofsussexwellbeing

External resources

To learn more about the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, visit the UNESCO website.

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