On April 13th, 2026, the Higher Education Authority launched a second iteration of the national surveys on staff and student experiences of sexual violence and harassment that were initially conducted in 2021.
Running from April 13th until May 8th, 2026, NCI staff and students are invited to complete this survey. Everyone will receive an email containing a link to the survey so everyone is encouraged to please keep an eye on their inbox.
Content warnings
The surveys include the following content warning at the start of the survey and before particularly sensitive sections:
This survey asks about your personal experiences with sexual harassment and violence. Some of the language used in this survey is explicit and some people may find it uncomfortable, but it is important that we ask the questions in this way so that you are clear about what we mean. Information on how to get help, if you need it, can be found at the following link, at relevant points in the survey and at the end of the survey.
National Supports can be found here https://hea.ie/policy/gender/national-supports/
Info to know when taking part
The survey may take between 20-40 minutes to complete.
Please note
- The survey does not ask for any identifying information and your responses are strictly confidential and anonymous.
- The data is collected by the HEA.
- The survey will remain open for responses until Friday, May 8th at 5pm.
Background information
In 2021, the Higher Education Authority (HEA), at the request of the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, T.D., conducted national surveys to monitor the experiences of students and staff in relation to sexual violence and harassment. The aim of the surveys was to create an evidence base for further policy and funding decisions in relation to tackling sexual violence and harassment in higher education institutions (HEIs). To support this work, an expert Advisory Group on Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment in HEIs was established by the HEA.
In 2022, National College of Ireland launched our Framework for Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment. This work is ongoing in acknowledgement of the fact that sexual harassment and violence is an everyday issue. This was reviewed and updated in June 2025. You can view the latest framework here.
More information about this new iteration of the surveys
The findings from this round of surveys will be used to guide the national response to ending sexual violence and harassment in higher education in Ireland. You can find reports from the 2021 surveys on the HEA website.
The Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Zero Tolerance Implementation Plan 2025-2026 commits the HEA to “develop and deliver updated National Surveys of Staff and Student Experiences of Sexual Violence and Harassment in Irish HEIs in 2026.”
The HEA established a subgroup of the Advisory Group on Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment in Irish Higher Education Institutions to advise on relevant updates to the 2021 survey questions. The updated version of the surveys were shared with the full Advisory Group before the updates were finalised. Membership of the Advisory Group is comprised of representatives of relevant higher education stakeholder groups and student representation, as well as specialist external agencies and experts in sexual violence and harassment.
Know what supports you have access to
Contact details for national level supports and helplines are available from https://hea.ie/policy/gender/national-supports/
You will also following national supports and helplines signposted at the end of the survey:
|
An Garda Síochána
(police)
|
Phone: 999/112
www.garda.ie/en/crime
|
In an emergency, if you are in danger or when a crime is happening
Further information on how to report a crime
|
| Rape Crisis Ireland |
Phone: 1800 77 8888
www.rapecrisishelp.ie
|
24-hour free national helpline
Further information on professional and local support
|
| HSE Sexual Assault Treatment Units (SATU) |
www2.hse.ie/services/satu/where-to-get-help/
www2.hse.ie/services/satu/contact/
|
Information on all your care options if you have been raped or sexually assaulted
Where to find a HSE Sexual Assault Treatment Unit
|
| LGBT Ireland |
Phone 1800 929 539 |
LGBT Helpline |
| Stalking In Ireland |
www.stalkinginireland.ie/ |
For information and support related to stalking in Ireland |
| Irish Internet Hotline |
www.hotline.ie/ |
To securely, anonymously, and confidentially report concerns in respect of illegal content online |
| Women’s Aid |
Phone: 1800 341 900 |
24-hour free national helpline |
| Men’s Aid |
Phone: 01-5543811 |
Confidential national support line (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm) |
| MOVE Ireland – Men Overcoming Violence |
www.moveireland.ie/ |
Support programme for men to take responsibility for violence. Support for (ex)partners also. |
At National College of Ireland, the aim is to always provide an inclusive, safe, positive culture and environment where you are safe to express who you are in a community that respects your individuality and diversity and where everyone can flourish and thrive. It is important to note that the content of these HEA national surveys is of a serious nature and may be upsetting. Please be aware that participation is not mandatory, but if you feel that you can take part, your input will work towards making the higher education landscape more informed and safer for all. If you decide to take part, please make sure to read all content warnings carefully and look after yourself during the process and please make sure that you are aware of all available supports should you wish to avail of them.
Further support at NCI
NCI and NCISU are working together. The SU provides consent education for students, and NCI provides education to staff.
Designated Contact People are available to both staff and students to act as approachable first point of contact for anyone in the College who needs to report sexual harassment or violence.
If you require any support in relation to these issues, please contact any of the below, or NCI’s Designated Contact People.
Employment Assistance Programme
Spectrum Life Employment Assistance Programme Our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is a confidential programme at no additional cost that provides you and your family members with immediate help and support in managing whatever work or personal issues you are facing. We offer unlimited access for you and your family, to a telephone helpline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year International: 00353 1 518 0277 WhatsApp Text 'Hi' to: 00353 87 369 0010 NCI staff please register for support with the link below.
https://nationalcollegeofireland.spectrum.life/login?org=NCIEAP
Freephone ROI: 1800 903 542