Gender-related violence in Australian and UK universities

We analyse interview data from two projects undertaken in Australia and England to explore gender-related violence (GRV) and its impact on university staff. This focus is novel and important as most research on GRV in universities has focused on students, meaning that staff experiences are largely absent. We argue that universities are unsafe spaces for women staff, particularly those in minoritized groups, and in Australia for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. We consider spatial aspects of GRV, focusing on three interrelated themes: spaces of resignation, disciplinary spaces, and spaces of challenge/resistance. We end by discussing key requirements for much-needed, systemic change. Notably, university leaders need to acknowledge that GRV pervades HE and is a substantial problem for staff as well as students. They must understand what underpins GRV and commit to meaningful change across the sector. Without such acknowledgment, understanding and transformation, universities will continue to be unsafe spaces.