Evidence-based e-learning modules for sexual safety in higher education

Eight universities and universities of applied sciences are developing e-learning modules for the Dutch higher education sector to help reduce sexual harassment and violence. The modules will be informed by scientific evidence from comparable programmes that have previously been developed and proven effective in other countries. Building on these insights and experiences, the project will develop modules tailored specifically to the Dutch context.

Preliminary research conducted by Maastricht University (UM) shows that e-learning is the most feasible way to provide students and staff with effective prevention. Thanks to funding from the Steering Group for Social Safety in Higher Education and Science, eight higher education institutions are launching Project UNMUTE. Rutgers and Soa Aids Nederland will work with these institutions to develop the modules. Once completed, the e-learning modules will be made available to all higher education institutions in the Netherlands.

Sexual misconduct remains a widespread issue among students and staff in higher education. At the same time, many of them do not know where to seek support or what they can do themselves to recognise and prevent such behaviour. In addition, harmful views such as victim blaming and rape myths often contribute to the persistence of sexual violence.

In other countries, the use of e-learning modules has helped to reduce sexual misconduct and strengthen the skills and knowledge of professionals. For example, research found that students who completed the e-learning programme from the US had a better understanding of effective consent, and were less likely to experience or perpetrate sexual violence. They also demonstrated greater legal knowledge of sexual violence, showed greater empathy towards survivors of rape and were less likely to endorse rape myths.

The e-learning modules also offer practical advantages. They can be delivered at scale (from cohorts of around 50 participants to as many as 8,000 students or staff) and can be integrated flexibly into, for example, existing curricula or staff onboarding programmes.

Development of the e-learning modules for Dutch higher education will begin this year. By the end of Project UNMUTE in 2028, two e-learning modules will be available. The student module will consist of four hours of learning and will teach students how to recognise signs of inappropriate behaviour, assess situations, and respond appropriately when they or others experience such behaviour. The staff module will focus on recognising the signs of sexual misconduct, responding in a supportive and trauma-informed way when someone discloses an incident of sexual misconduct, and making appropriate referrals to support services.

The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science has awarded € 449,903 to the project through the Social Safety in Higher Education and Science grant scheme. In addition to Maastricht University, the project partners are Erasmus University Rotterdam, Inholland University of Applied Sciences, Hotelschool The Hague, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, and Eindhoven University of Technology. The grant application was supported by 25 universities and universities of applied sciences, nine student organisations, Government Commissioner Mariëtte Hamer, Amnesty International, and the Municipality of Amsterdam.