Tackling gender-based violence in higher education

Russell Group Students’ Unions is proud to launch our new report on tackling gender-based violence in higher education.

Gender-based violence remains a significant but under-researched and under-discussed issue across the higher education sector. Recent research from the Office for Students found that a quarter of students experience at least one form of harassment while at university. While we welcome recent action from the regulator to strengthen policies and procedures across institutions, much more must be done to address the scale of the challenge.

Drawing on a survey of more than 1,000 students across the Russell Group, alongside insights from focus groups, this report sheds light on students' experiences of safety, harassment, and support at university. Our findings reveal that:

•  Experiences of gender-based violence and harassment continue to affect students across our universities, highlighting the need for stronger prevention, reporting, and support measures.

• There is a substantial reporting gap, with many more students experiencing gender-based violence or harassment than are accessing official university or external reporting services.

• Students report mixed experiences of safety during their time at university. While around half say their sense of safety has remained unchanged, one in five report feeling safer, and nearly three in ten say their sense of safety has declined.

The report also showcases a range of innovative initiatives led by students’ unions across the XXX to improve protections, strengthen support services, and make reporting processes more accessible.

We hope this report acts as a renewed call to action for government, regulators, universities, and the wider sector to work together to create safer campuses and ensure that all students can thrive free from violence and harassment.