Fostering diversity on campus is the main way that universities can prevent sexual violence, according to an expert, who said that universities must urgently review their?approach to?combating?systematic abuse.?

Jessica Price, a professional psychologist based in Germany, who has given training and workshops to students and lecturers, said that universities must ¡°conduct a critical review of the current policies and structures in place to deal with sexual violence¡± on campus.

¡°Seek not to reassure yourselves but find gaps and bottlenecks in the system, and address them quickly,¡± she said during the session ¡°#MeToo: How Should Universities Respond to Sexual Violence on Campus?¡± at the European Association for International Education¡¯s annual conference.

¡°There is no time to waste. Time¡¯s up also for university leaders who have to step up to the challenge and contribute to a social change that is long overdue.¡±

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She added that ¡°empowering diversity and voice is the best preventive measure against a climate where systemic abuse goes unchecked¡±, and told universities to ¡°bring more women, minority groups and international students into the structures that deal with sexual misconduct¡±.

These diverse voices should participate in policy building and the development of innovative and grass-roots initiatives on campuses to promote a community ¡°willing to rally against inequality¡±, she said.

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Dr Price added that the existence of cliques or groups with strong ¡°groupthink¡± tendencies, such as fraternities, can contribute to sexual violence on campuses and?told institutions to ¡°address pockets of reactionary thinking¡±.

¡°Some individuals on campus might react with contempt or minimise the need for these measures. Do not ignore the potential damage that these individuals can create,¡± she said, adding that these types of people could ¡°turn a blind eye when abuse happens¡±. ?

¡°Seek to proactively educate and engage them. If they refuse, ask yourself whether they can still be part of a forward-thinking international institution,¡± she continued.

Dr Price said that it was also important for a university to be clear about the ¡°boundaries of its role¡± and make students aware that it cannot necessarily carry out criminal investigations.

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¡°It can misguide students to believe that the university has the power to penalise,¡± she said.

ellie.bothwell@timeshighereducation.com