This study by the National Centre for Social Research outlines findings from a pilot study which aimed to explore the feasibility of conducting survey research related to student experiences of violence, harassment and discrimination.
Conducted in partnership with City, University of London, Universities UK (UUK), University of Surrey and De Montfort University, the study identified themes relevant to student experiences of violence, including sexual violence and identity-based harassment.
Tackling violence, harassment and hate crime is high on the agenda for UK universities. Since 2010 the National Union of Students has conducted surveys that evidence problematic behaviours within university settings, including sexual harassment and unwanted sexual advances amongst the student population.
Further research also provides evidence of staff sexual misconduct and predatory behaviours, as well as racial and homophobic harassment, prejudice and (cyber)-bullying.
Follow-up reports in 2018 and 2019 demonstrate that although some progress has been made in tackling student experiences of violence, much more work needs to be done.