< Go Back

Sexual Assault at UK Universities: Understanding the Issue and Staying Safe

Written by Katie Parkins, published 08-21-24

Sexual violence on university campuses is a deeply troubling issue that affects a significant proportion of students across the UK. According to a survey conducted by Revolt Sexual Assault in partnership with The Student Room, almost two-thirds (62%) of students and graduates have experienced sexual violence during their time at university. This alarming statistic reveals the extent to which sexual violence has become a pervasive issue within higher education, often overshadowed by inadequate reporting systems and support networks.

Key Statistics on Sexual Assault at UK Universities:

• 62% of students and graduates have experienced sexual violence at UK universities.
• 70% of female respondents reported experiencing sexual violence.
• 48% of female students have been sexually assaulted.
• 73% of disabled students have experienced sexual violence, with 54% experiencing sexual assault.
• 26% of male respondents experienced sexual violence at university.
• Only 6% of victims reported their experience of sexual violence to their university.
• Just 2% of students who reported sexual violence were satisfied with the university’s process.
• 57% of incidents involved a perpetrator known to the victim, with 75% of those perpetrators being another student.
• 31% of students felt pressured into doing something sexual during their time at university.
• 28% of sexual violence incidents occurred in halls of residence, with 24% happening at social events.
• Only 47% of students believe that groping is considered sexual assault at their university.
• 78% of respondents agreed that some people blame the victim for the sexual violence they experienced.

The Reality of Sexual Violence on Campus

Among female respondents, the figures are even more disturbing. Seventy percent reported experiencing some form of sexual violence, with 48% of these women indicating that they had been sexually assaulted. For students with disabilities, the numbers are similarly distressing, with 73% having experienced sexual violence, and more than half of them (54%) reporting sexual assault. While men are also victims, with 26% of male respondents reporting sexual violence, the data clearly shows that women and vulnerable groups are disproportionately affected.

Most incidents of sexual violence involve perpetrators known to the victim, and 75% of cases involved another student from the same university. Alarmingly, halls of residence (28%) and university social spaces such as bars, refectories, and shops (23%) were identified as the most common locations for these incidents, followed by social events (24%). These findings indicate that many of the locations students frequent on campus—places they should feel safe—are where they are most at risk.

The Lack of Reporting and Support

Despite the prevalence of sexual violence, only a fraction of students come forward to report these incidents. The Revolt Sexual Assault survey found that just 6% of students who experienced sexual violence reported the incident to their university. Even fewer (2%) felt able to report it and were satisfied with the process. Many students did not report incidents because they believed it wasn’t serious enough (56%), felt ashamed (35%), or simply did not know how to report it (29%).

This lack of reporting is compounded by the fact that many students feel that their universities do not take sexual violence seriously. Only 47% of respondents believed that groping is considered sexual assault at their university, and a shocking 78% felt that victims are often blamed for the violence they experience. These statistics highlight a cultural problem within universities, where sexual violence is often normalised, and victims feel unsupported.

The Impact on Students

The effects of sexual violence on students are far-reaching. Many victims report severe impacts on their mental health, self-confidence, and academic performance. One-quarter of respondents said they skipped lectures or changed modules to avoid their perpetrator, and 16% suspended their studies or dropped out altogether. This demonstrates that beyond the immediate trauma of sexual violence, its repercussions can seriously disrupt a student’s educational and personal life.

How Students Can Stay Safe

At WE Alarms, we understand that universities need to do more to prevent sexual violence and support victims. However, we also believe in empowering individuals to protect themselves. One way to enhance personal safety is through the use of personal alarms, which can act as both a deterrent and a means of summoning help in dangerous situations.

Our range of protective rape alarms provides peace of mind for students in potentially vulnerable situations. Whether walking home late at night, attending a social event, or staying in shared accommodation, our alarms are designed to give students an extra layer of security.

The WE Alarms PROTECTOR

For students living in dorms and shared accommodations, we recommend our WE Alarms PROTECTOR. This versatile device goes beyond traditional personal alarms, offering multiple layers of protection to safeguard both individuals and their belongings.

• Passive Infrared Alarm: This alarm detects movement within a 10-meter radius, sounding a loud alarm for three minutes when triggered. Ideal for protecting your personal space or belongings, this feature helps deter potential intruders and alerts you to suspicious activity.
• Light Trigger Alarm: When placed in a drawer or cupboard, the light-sensitive alarm will sound if the area is opened and exposed to light. This feature is particularly useful for protecting valuable items such as laptops, phones, or even food in shared spaces.
• Vibration Alarm: Simply hang the device on your door handle, and it will sound if the door is opened during the night. This can help prevent unauthorised entry into your room while you sleep, giving you peace of mind in shared living environments.
• Bluetooth Anti-Lost Feature: By connecting the WE Alarms PROTECTOR to your mobile phone, you’ll receive an alert if your bag or belongings move more than 10 meters away from you. This is especially helpful for preventing theft in crowded areas.
• Flashlight Function: The built-in LED flashlight offers added convenience, allowing you to locate items in low-light conditions while still keeping security as a priority.
• SOS Function: In the event of an emergency, pressing the SOS button activates a 130-decibel alarm. This loud sound can draw attention, potentially scaring off attackers and helping prevent sexual assault.

Empowering Students with Safety Tools

While we advocate for systemic changes in how universities handle sexual violence, we also believe that personal safety devices can make a difference in protecting students from harm. The WE Alarms PROTECTOR is just one example of how technology can help empower individuals to take control of their safety, whether on campus or in their accommodation.

At WE Alarms, we are committed to offering products that provide peace of mind and help students feel safer in environments where they should be free to learn and grow without fear. Whether you are walking home after a night out or simply trying to safeguard your belongings in your dorm room, our products are designed to give you the confidence to navigate university life with greater security. Click the link for more information about staying safe at university

Together, with greater awareness, support, and safety measures, we can work toward a future where sexual violence is no longer a normalised part of university culture.

---