Sexual harassment more than twice as prevalent at England’s top universities, analysis finds | Students

Students at Britain’s leading universities were twice as likely to experience sexual harassment than students at “low-fare” institutions, the analysis found.

Data from a national survey of undergraduate students indicates that 35% of students at “high-tariff” universities, which require the highest A-level grades for entry, have experienced sexual harassment, compared to just over 17% at universities requiring the lowest grades for entry, and 26% of students at “medium-tariff” institutions.

analysis The research by the Office for Students, England’s higher education regulator, also uncovered hotspots for sexual harassment, sexual assault or violence against people studying courses that require high entry grades, such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary sciences or languages.

The OfS said it had not looked at the reasons why there were such large differences between types of institutions: “We observe a higher prevalence among students attending these schools.” [institutions] high tariffs compared to the industry as a whole… The analysis does not consider the reasons for this difference and should therefore be interpreted with caution.”

The high-tariff sector includes the Russell Group of research-intensive universities, many of which have medical schools.

Jo Grady, general secretary of the University and College Union, said: “What is particularly worrying about this latest analysis is that it shows that sexual harassment is more common at higher-tariff institutions that are considered more prestigious.

“Perpetrators at these universities are more likely to move into powerful jobs, risking the breeding of these toxic cultures. Similarly, it is extremely worrying that such high levels of sexual harassment are being reported in courses such as medicine, given where the next generation of doctors are being trained.”

Prof Libby Hackett, chief executive of Russell Group, said it was “very disturbing” to see the extent of sexual harassment and violence reported by students.

“Our universities have zero tolerance for sexual harassment and work to ensure every student and staff member remains safe on campus,” Hackett said. “Many universities have stepped up these efforts in recent years with more support and clearer reporting processes, but the data clearly shows there is more work to be done.

“To make our universities a safer place, we will work with the regulator, government, charities and wider local communities to understand the risks for the most vulnerable students, respond to their needs and prevent harassment and violence before it occurs.”

Amira Campbell, President of the National Union of Students, said: “I am extremely saddened to see this data showing how widespread sexual abuse is in higher education… We must all work together to combat a culture where sexual harassment and violence are endemic.”

Experts who spoke to the Guardian said they had not been able to examine the data in detail since it was published on Friday. But they suggested that students from higher-tariff universities were more likely to be at risk of harassment or assault, and that younger undergraduates were living away from home at higher rates.

The survey found that students attending college away from home said they were more likely to experience sexual harassment or sexual assault and violence than students attending college closer to home or studying remotely.

Preliminary findings from a survey of 50,000 final year undergraduate students last year showed that one in three female students reported being sexually harassed, while almost one in five women reported experiencing sexual assault or violence during their time as a student.

The latest analysis also showed that women were harassed or assaulted at much higher rates than men across all categories. While 3 percent of men were exposed to sexual assault or violence in architecture, construction and planning courses, this rate was 20 percent for women.

Women with disabilities, including mental health conditions, reported higher rates of assault than their peers or male counterparts.