Motion no: 20
Conference welcomes the passing of the Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Bill and specifically the provisions in relation to up-skirting and down blousing.
Conference commends all those who campaigned to ensure that Northern Ireland has the strongest legislation in relation to up-skirting and down-blousing in these islands. Conference extends a special thank you to the victims of this crime whose brave testimony has helped to ensure that this activity is recognised in law as a specific criminal offence.
Conference affirms that schools should be places of safety and must be supported in tackling the problem of sexual harassment or violence towards either pupils or staff.
Conference therefore calls upon the ICTU to conduct research on the prevalence of sexism and sexual harassment in schools and to campaign for:
(i) A Departmental circular to provide statutory guidance to schools on how to handle the issue of up-skirting and the sending/receiving of unsolicited pornographic messages, including clear messaging that the police should be informed when a crime is suspected.
(ii) Minimum agreed age-appropriate content for Relationships and Sexuality Education which addresses the issues of consent, image based sexual abuse, tackling rape myths, boundaries, acceptable behaviours, and healthy relationships.
(iii) Specialist training and CPD for teachers that educates and empowers them to deliver a robust and fit for purpose Relationship and Sexuality Education curriculum.
(iv) Training of all school staff and governors on the continuum of sexual harassment and violence to develop a shared understanding of what constitutes harmful sexual behaviour and how to address it within the school context. Such training should underpin a whole school approach to safeguarding that supports teachers and support staff in challenging attitudes and dispositions that normalise a culture of sexual harassment and abuse.
(v) The development and implementation of whole school policies to tackle sexual abuse and harassment in schools, including the use of digital technology and social media, that protects all members of the school community.
(vi) Provision and access to specialist services for victims of sexual harassment and violence in school that is trauma centred and victim led.
