Xiaohongshu
Russell Group Students’ Unions has published a new report on gender-based violence in higher education. The report, led by Students' Union UCL, draws on a survey of more than 1,000 students across the Russell Group, alongside focus group insights, to shine a light on what students are experiencing when it comes to safety, harassment, and support at university.
Read the report here: Tackling Gender-Based Violence in Higher Education
Why this report matters
Gender-based violence remains an under-researched and under-discussed issue in higher education. Research from the Office for Students has found that a quarter of students experience at least one form of harassment while at university. Yet despite the scale of the problem, reporting rates remain low and institutional responses are inconsistent.
This report helps to provide a snapshot into the experiences at Russell Group institutions. By hearing directly from students, through surveys and focus groups, it captures how students feel about safety on campus, whether they know how to report, and whether they trust that reporting will make a difference.
What the findings show
We found that:
- Experiences of gender-based violence and harassment continue to affect students across Russell Group universities, pointing to the need for stronger prevention, reporting, and support measures.
- There is a substantial reporting gap: far more students experience gender-based violence or harassment than ever access official university or external reporting services.
- Students report mixed experiences of safety. While around half say their sense of safety has remained unchanged since starting university, nearly three in ten say their sense of safety has actually declined.
What this means for UCL students
At Students' Union UCL, we are committed to making our campus safer for every student. We work with the university to support prevention, reporting processes, and survivor support. The findings of our report remind us that there is work to be done. It is a priority for us that students feel safe, know their options for reporting, and feel confident to do so.
We will be using the report’s findings to push for improvements across UCL.
Taking it to Parliament
The report is part of a broader campaign. Alongside our RGSU colleagues, we recently presented a parliamentary petition - signed by over 114,000 people - to 10 Downing Street, calling on the Government to legislate misogyny as a hate crime, fund the training of police and prosecutors, and invest in survivor support in educational settings.
We are now working to secure a parliamentary debate on gender-based violence in higher education. The report gives that campaign a stronger evidence base, and we hope it acts as a renewed call to action for government, regulators, and universities to work together to create the safer campuses that students deserve.
Access support
Our Students’ Union Sexual Violence Liaison Officer Service is a new initiative to support anyone who has experienced sexual violence or gender-based abuse at any time in their lives.
The Sexual Violence Liaison Officers (SVLOs) work in the Students’ Union Advice Service in the Prevention and Intervention Team. They are specially trained to support anyone who experiences sexual violence, harassment, or unwanted behaviour. They can guide you through your options confidentially, without judgement, and will help you to access the right resources, support and information.
They’re here to offer a safe, confidential space where you can talk, be heard and find out what support is available - at your own pace and on your own terms. Find out more and access support here.
Get in touch
If you want to know more about our work on safety and gender-based violence, or how to access support at UCL, please reach out:
President: [email protected]
Education Officer: [email protected]