Sexual harm in Higher Education – a call to action for us all

What the data tells us 

An initial analysis of our own student survey, completed by 1,220 final-year undergraduates, highlights the distressing experiences faced by many of our students over the past year: 

• 18.7% of respondents reported experiencing sexual harassment 

• 6.7% experienced sexual assault or violence 

• Fewer than half of those who reported an incident felt the process was handled well 

• Just over half felt confident about where to seek support 

• 1.5% reported having had an intimate relationship with a member of staff 

These figures mirror national trends and underscore the urgent need for continued action and accountability.  

You can find a full breakdown of the figures here. 

What we’re doing 

We are actively working with students, the Students’ Union, and other partners through the Gender-Based Violence Action Network for Students to raise awareness and tackle sexual harm. This includes: 

• Enhancing support services 

• Improving reporting mechanisms 

• Strengthening staff training and guidance 

• Promoting our Never OK campaign to reinforce a zero-tolerance stance on sexual misconduct 

Colleagues are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the University’s approach via the Support for Harassment and Sexual Misconduct webpage. 

Your role  

As members of our University community, colleagues play a vital role in creating a safe and respectful environment. Whether through teaching, pastoral care, or day-to-day interactions, we all have a responsibility to: 

• Recognise signs of distress or disclosure 

• Respond appropriately and sensitively 

• Refer students to the right support services 

If a student discloses an experience of sexual harm, please direct them to the University’s Report + Support service. Specialist caseworkers are available to guide and support them through every step of the process. 

Report + Support 

Students and colleagues can report incidents anonymously or with contact details via the Report + Support platform. Every report helps us build a safer campus. 

There's no excuse for harassment, violence or hate. It’s Never OK. Let’s continue working together to ensure our University is a place where everyone feels safe, respected, and supported.