Violence Against Women on University Campuses 2022-05-23
2022-05-23
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the prevalence of sexual violence and harassment in universities, citing research that between two-thirds and three-quarters of female students have experienced sexual violence. She mentioned specific incidents at Roehampton University.
What steps are being taken to help prevent violence against women on university campuses? Research indicates a high incidence of sexual violence among female students and staff, with the local police unable to act due to lack of legal provisions for sexual harassment as a crime. Will the Secretary of State commission a review of sexual violence on campuses?
Violence against women is unacceptable, and we must pursue a zero-tolerance culture. The Office for Students has been instructed to make tackling sexual misconduct a binding condition of universities' registration. A pledge committing universities not to use non-disclosure agreements to silence victims has been launched; fifty-three providers have signed it so far. Universities UK published a report assessing progress, showing that while some improvements were made, only 72% of institutions improved data recording on harassment.
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Assessment & feedback
Commissioning a comprehensive review of sexual violence across university campuses
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the prevalence of sexual violence and harassment in universities, citing research that between two-thirds and three-quarters of female students have experienced sexual violence. She mentioned specific incidents at Roehampton University.
We are far from zero tolerance at the moment. As a parent of two daughters who have attended or are attending two different universities, I have seen that universities are not safe spaces. Research shows that between two thirds and three quarters of female students, and 70% of female university and college staff, have experienced sexual violence. The president of the University of Roehampton's students union has been in regular contact with me about incidents there and how the local police's hands are tied because sexual harassment is not a crime, so they cannot take action.
Universities UK published a report assessing the sector's progress on tackling gender-based violence, harassment and hate crime. It showed some progress had been made, but only 72% of responding institutions developed or improved data recording on harassment. We need them to go much further. The zero-tolerance culture must be delivered.
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Assessment & feedback
Commissioning a comprehensive review of sexual violence across university campuses
Response accuracy