Brunel University London Welfare, Health and Wellbeing Theme Universities Supporting Victims of Sexual Violence: Training for Sustainable Student Services (USVSV) Dr Pam Alldred (PI), Brunel University and Dr Alison Phipps (CoI), Sussex University, UK. New funding The Centre for Youth Work Studies has been awarded 1.1 million Euros from the EU’s DAPHNE/Justice Programme to develop new training for university staff on how to respond to sexual violence experienced by students. This is the largest grant awarded this call. Sexual violence on campus Sexual harassment and violence among university populations is receiving long-awaited recognition in the UK and Europe (Phipps & Young 2014) as research reveals sexist and sexualising aspects of ‘lad culture’ (Jackson & Sundaram 2014; Phipps & Smith 2012). In the UK and other European countries students are under-served by support services and may not have links to local services. Clear institutional procedures and care pathways are essential for effective victim support and to problematise violence (WHO 2014), and to reduce the risk of secondary victimisation among those experiencing sexual or gendered violence (Orchowski & Gidycz 2012). Project aims This project will map how universities currently respond to sexual violence reviewing their policies and care pathways and identifying best practice in training staff to offer a ‘first response’. It will develop a model training programme for university staff (especially Students’ Union, bar, accommodation, counselling and security staff) in each Partner university and pilot it there and in several other universities in the region. It will establish links between local victims services and share learning across these and wider networks. University partners will be supported to establish the training initially but it is intended that it becomes part of their in-house routine training for all new staff. The main outcomes will be: A report of existing university policy frameworks and care pathways on sexual and gendered violence, and an analysis of best practice in 'first responder' training (in universities and elsewhere), across 12 European countries. Delivery of 'first response' training in 12 institutions to 80 staff in each, with 810 staff readied to train others. Piloting & evaluating these training models, and the meta-analysis of evaluations. Improved relations between partner universities and local services. An international network for academics, practitioners and agencies. Better support and referral of students who experience sexual violence, through new training embedded in 12 universities and good practice shared with many other universities. Project partners Institute of Environment, Health and Societies The project builds on the training expertise developed in Brunel University’s GAP Work Project, and 8 Partner universities will develop training for staff and 5 Associate Partner universities or feminist organisations in the UK, Hungary, Serbia and Spain will translate and pilot the training.