Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Violence Against Women on University Campuses

Monday 23 May 2022 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Violence against women on university campuses is an unacceptable issue requiring a zero-tolerance approach.
  • The Office for Students has mandated universities to address sexual misconduct as a condition of registration.
  • Universities UK reported progress in tackling gender-based violence but noted only 72% of institutions improved data recording on harassment.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Fleur Anderson Lab Putney
Crime & Law Enforcement Women & Equalities
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commissioning a comprehensive review of sexual violence across university campuses

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Fleur Anderson Lab Putney
Women & Equalities
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.

Question

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.

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commissioning a comprehensive review of sexual violence across university campuses

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)