The Hunting Ground

International Women's Day has been observed since in the early 1900's, a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialized world that saw booming population growth and the rise of radical ideologies.

The Hunting Ground

Excited at having landed a place at the University of North Carolina, Annie Clark's elation evaporated when she was raped before classes began. She is far from alone: studies show that 20% of women will suffer a sexual attack at university. In a masterful, wide-ranging investigation, Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering present dozens of testimonials detailing how universities of every shape and size collude to cover up sexual crimes on their campuses, creating an ideal "hunting ground" for serial offenders. Fear of damaging their reputation - and enrolment - drives shocking behaviour throughout the universities, with the fraternity and athletic communities covering up the most grievous assaults. For many victims, the institutional denial proves even more painful than the crime itself. But hope is in sight as Annie and other victims begin to fight back through the courts, hitting universities where it hurts - by threatening their revenue streams.

The panel will be chaired by Kate Linderholm, a journalist at BBC Radio Sheffield who produces programmes and specialises in feature-making and documentaries at the station. She's also reported at BBC Radio 4 for the World Tonight and You and Yours and as a keen supporter of documentary film has regularly hosted panel discussions during Sheffield's doc fest. 

Speakers will include:

Sharmin Jahan - Women's Officer at the University of Sheffield Students Union. Before Sharmin was elected she was engaged in a range of activities some of these include being on the student union council, constitution committee, Women's committee and Black and Minority Ethnic Students Committee. She use to regularly volunteer for Ashiana and Roshni. Sharmin is Women's Officer for Sheffield Young Labour.

Gabi Binnie – Welfare Office at the University of Sheffield Students Union. Gabi works with the University to ensure adequate welfare provision and support for students; providing support, representation and raises awareness of student health, finance, housing & safety issues. She works closely with the Student Advice Centre to ensure relevant and effective advice is available to students and recently has focused on creating a culture of acceptance and support of mental ill-health in the University

Ellie Davison – Women’s Rep at Sheffield Hallam University Students Union.