WATCH: University of Limerick students launch anti-sexual harassment mural

A LARGE mural, calling for an end to sexual violence and harassment in third- level institutes, was unveiled at the University of Limerick this Monday. 

The mural, which depicts a number of messages aiming to dispel popular myths and attitudes towards sexual violence and harassment, was installed as part of the ‘It Stops Now’ campaign by the National Women’sCouncil of Ireland (NWCI). 

Installed prominently on the side of student bar The Stables, the eye-grabbing statement is on display at one of the busiest thoroughfares on the university’s campus. 

“It is essential that we take collective action to ensure the safety, equality and full participation of 15,000 UL students, the university academic and support staff, and all those who visit the campus,” UL Student Life welfare officer Lorcan O’Donnell said. 

“By installing this mural, UL is making an important contribution to tackling sexual violence and harassment on campus.” 

“Our hope is that the mural will challenge harmful language and preconceptions around sexual harassment and assaults, sending a strong message to all who use our campus that we are addressing the universal, societal problem of sexual misconduct,” he added. 

“UL Student Life has recently finished another rollout of sexual consent workshops for first year students, bringing the total number of students receiving training in this area to over 1,000 since last September,” Mr O’Donnell said. 

“These workshops have been a great success and would not have happened without the support from the university faculties and departments.”

Tara Brown, project coordinator for the ‘It Stops Now’ campaign, said:  “Every student has the right to an education free from sexual violence and harassment.” 

“It Stops Now is based on the reality of student experiences, the majority of whom are women, and aims to empower students and universities to challenge the victim-blaming and toxic behaviours which feed a sexual violence culture.”