Working Group

DCU believes that its entire university community has the right to enjoy work and or study in a safe environment free from sexual misconduct and to be treated with dignity and respect at all times. 

About 

The Dignity, Respect and Ending Sexual Violence (DRESV) Working Group was established in September 2025 to lead DCU’s work on DRESV and to develop a comprehensive action plan aligned with the Framework for Consent in Higher Education Institutions: Safe, Respectful, Supportive and Positive – Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment in Irish Higher Education Institutions. 

Comprised of representatives from across the University community, the DCU Dignity, Respect and Ending Sexual Violence Working Group provides strategic direction and helps to ensure that the University’s approach is informed by the voices and experiences of both staff and students. The role of the working group is to promote dignity and respect, and work towards ending sexual violence in a manner that is inclusive, trauma aware, evidence based and reflective of the national framework. 

Objectives 

• Engage with students and staff to gain a more in-depth understanding of peoples’ perspectives and lived experiences concerning dignity, respect and sexual misconduct  in DCU. 
• Maintain an overview of existing DCU policies and practices related to dignity, respect and sexual misconduct, and identify areas for improvement.
• Develop a comprehensive institutional action plan that aligns with the Framework as well as closely related areas such as the HEA Anti-Racism Principles and the DCU Silver Athena Swan Action plan.
• Promote awareness and understanding of dignity, respect and ending sexual violence within the University community which may include awareness raising programmes, trainings, webinars, etc.
• Monitor the progress of dignity, respect and ending sexual violence  initiatives and report on their effectiveness.