Third of women report facing sexual harassment at university in England, survey finds

"One in three female students say they have endured sexual harassment during their time at university or college, with most of it taking place around campus, according to data published by England's higher education regulator. The results showed that nearly one in five women also experienced sexual assault or violence during their time as a student, often at the hands of other students or staff, with younger women, lesbian, gay or bisexual students and students with disabilities at higher risk."

"These shocking figures expose just how widespread sexual harassment and assault are in our universities, with one in four students reporting harassment and one in seven experiencing assault. No one should have to fear abuse, yet institutions are still failing to protect them. It is a national scandal and vice-chancellors cannot keep turning a blind eye. This demands urgent, sector-wide reform and accountability. Students and staff deserve safe campuses, not excuses."

"While 24% of all students said they had experienced sexual harassment, including pestering and sending images, women were nearly three times more likely to experience the harassment than men, with 33% affected compared with 12% of men. Women were also more than twice as likely as men to experience sexual assault or sexual violence, at 19% compared with 7% of men."

A survey of more than 50,000 final-year undergraduates in England found one in three female students experienced sexual harassment during university or college, with most incidents occurring around campus. Nearly one in five women reported sexual assault or violence, often perpetrated by other students or staff. Overall, 24% of students reported sexual harassment and 19% of women reported sexual assault, compared with 12% and 7% for men respectively. Younger women, lesbian, gay or bisexual students and students with disabilities faced higher risk. Comparative data from Australia showed lower rates: 16% harassment and 4.5% assault among students.

Read at www.theguardian.com