1 in 7 Female Students in UK has been Victim of Sexual Assault
According to National Union of Students (NUS) survey report, 1 in 7 female students at university in UK has been the victim of sexual assault or serious physical violence.
NUS surveyed over 2,000 female students from all around UK also found that 25% had been subjected to an unwanted sexual experience during their life at university or colleges. And only 10% of victim female students have reported the incident to police. Only 4% reported their attack to their University.
When asked why not, 50% of those who did not report to the police said they felt ashamed or embarrassed, while 43% thought they were “to blame for the violence committed against them”.
Indeed, as described by Olivia Bailey, NUS National Women’s Officer, results are very “disturbing” and describe the report as a “wake-up call”.
Bailey said: “Not enough is being done to encourage women students to report all instances of assault or harassment to their institutions or to the police. students must be left in “no doubt that such behavior will not be tolerated.”
Sandra Horley OBE, of the domestic violence charity Refuge, said: “It is vital that universities create an environment where women feel confident to speak out against abuse. Female students need to know where they can seek help, and must feel sure that their reports will be taken seriously. Women have the right to enjoy university life, focus on their studies and plan for their futures, without fear of intimidation of violence”.
YUSU Women’s Officer, Charlotte Philips, stated: “This report highlights the need for greater provisions, and crucially greater awareness of the existing provisions on campuses. We will work with the welfare team to create a greater awareness of services such as Nightline and the Open Door Team, whilst discussing with local authorities the potential of local specialist provisions for those who experience sexual assault or rape. We are planning an ‘End Violence Against Women’ campaign in the Autumn Term in which intends to help clarify people’s understanding of the boundaries of consent”.