GMIT Launches new anonymous reporting tool as part of nationwide roll out

Monday, November 22, 2021 Press Office
Press Release
Speak Out

Online tool “Speak out” aims to help staff and students report incidents in a safe space

GMIT has introduced an important new reporting tool called “Speak Out” to staff and students in all its campuses. This is part of a national initiative launched recently by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris for all Higher Education institutes. The online and anonymous reporting platform allows members of the GMIT community to report, in a safe and confidential manner, incidents of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, discrimination, hate crime, coercive behaviour/control, stalking, assault, sexual harassment, sexual assault and rape.

The data collected will be used to inform policy and targeted educational initiatives and provide users with support services relevant to their experience.
The online tool was circulated to all staff and students in GMIT via email on 1 November following the national launch by Minister Harris (21 October).

The initiative is led by the Psychological Counsellors in Higher Education Ireland (PCHEI) and funded by Minister Harris’ department. It is being rolled out across 18 higher education institutions throughout this academic year for students, staff and visitors.

Debbie Molloy, Student Services Manager and Mary Nestor, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Co-Chairs of the GMIT Working Group for preventing and responding to sexual violence and harassment say: “This tool will help members of our community to speak out in a safe and secure space. The data will enable a research-informed approach to creating change. Details of the initiative are available on: https://gmit.speakout.ie/

“Individuals can report one incident, or a series of related incidents at a time; this is to ensure a full understanding of the nature of the experience. It is important to remember that as the tool is completely anonymous, GMIT cannot identify or make contact with any member of the college community.”

ENDS

Issued by Regina Daly, GMIT Communications & Press Officer, GMIT, Dublin Road, Galway.
0879618355 (m)
regina.daly@gmit.ie   www.gmit.ie/news

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