We believe that university should be a transformative experience, where all students feel safe. That is why we are joining forces to launching this inquiry into gender-based violence.
Take part in the survey here
Last week marked Russell Group Students’ Unions launched a survey to capture the reality of students' experiences with gender-based violence.
This research is led by Holly Thompson, Deputy President at the Liverpool Guild; Lily Allan, Wellbeing & Communities Officer at Newcastle Students Union; and Amara Relf, Equality and Liberation Officer, at Leeds University.
Together, we are working as Students’ Unions to identify where more work is needed and to call for systemic change.
Why We Need Your Voice
We believe that no student should ever feel unsafe or experience harm while at university. However, we know that the reality can fall short of this ideal. Gender-based violence remains a significant and pervasive issue within UK higher education, with specific groups facing disproportionately high risks.
To tackle this effectively, we need an accurate picture of your experiences on campus. By gathering your experiences and perceptions of safety, we can build a powerful evidence base.
What is Gender-Based Violence?
Gender-based violence is rooted in the gender inequality in our societies. It describes any harmful act perpetrated against a person based on socially ascribed gender differences or gender hierarchies.
It is not limited to one specific type of incident. It includes acts that cause physical, sexual, or mental harm or suffering, as well as threats and deprivations of liberty. This encompasses a wide range of behaviours, including:
Why we are collecting data?
Well used the survey findings to lobby university leadership and pressure the government for greater protection and support for students.
This work is vital, and it is being driven by students’ union officers who are working tirelessly to ensure our campuses are safe spaces for everyone
The survey is open now and will run from 12th November to 12th December 2025.
We urge all students to participate. By filling out this survey, you are directly supporting the work to eradicate gender-based violence from our community.
Take part in our survey on gender based violence
Where you can get support
If you wish to discuss any themes raised in this blog, or would like to access support, please visit this page: https://russellgroupstudentsunions.org/support
