UniSAFE: Gender-based violence and institutional responses: Building a knowledge base and operational tools to make universities and research organisations safe (2021-2024)

UniSAFE is a nine-partner EU funded project that aims to produce better knowledge on gender-based violence (GBV) in research performing and funding organisations, and to translate this knowledge into operational tools for higher education, research organisations and policymakers. It examines the mechanisms of GBV, its social determinants, antecedents and consequences, by developing an ambitious multi-level research design and holistic 7P model, to collect, analyse, synthesise and compare qualitative and quantitative evidence at three levels:

• Prevalence and impacts of GBV are analysed via data gathered by a survey sampling 45 research organisations (N450 000) and by a Europe-wide survey of mobile researchers (micro level).
• Organisational responses and infrastructure are analysed via data gathered by in-depth cases studies, interviews, and a strategic mapping in of research organisations in 15 member states (meso level).
• Legal and policy frameworks are analysed via extensive mapping by national experts in EU27 and 3 Associated States.

Data on each level is collected and analysed with an ambitious 7P research model, covering prevalence, prevention, protection, prosecution, provision of services, partnerships and policy. This holistic 7P model is better suited to collect comprehensive data, analyse their relation, and translate findings into operational tools than the conventional 3P model (prevention, protection, prosecution) or the Istanbul Convention 4P model (3P and policy) or the EIGE 6P model.

UniSAFE is designed to achieve its results through research, education and outreach activities between researchers, stakeholders and policymakers across Europe. As a result of the multi-field design, the project will provide in-depth knowledge of existing problems on the one hand, and current and future priorities on the other.

More specifically, the outcomes will include:

• A better understanding of GBV in European universities and research organisations and its impact on people, organisations and society.
• Effective policies and measures implemented at universities and research organisations.
• Increased capacity of students and staff to address GBV.
• Tolls and recommendations to reduce GBV violence in academic environments and research workplaces in Europe.

UniSAFE relies on a strong multi-disciplinary consortium of nine European partners. The strength of the consortium is based on the partners’ in-depth knowledge and extensive collaborative track record on researching GBV, transforming academic insights into operational tools, including the lead on the GEAR-tool, and knowledge disseminating, including a direct link to the Gender Equality Academy.

The project will take place over a 3-year period, and will contribute to the combating, reduction and eradication of gender-based violence in Europe and European higher education.