Student area sees surge in number of sex assaults

VICTIMS of violent and sexual assaults reported 365 incidents last year in the student heartland of Selly Oak, in Birmingham, one for every day of the year.

The shocking figures from between January and December 2017 were this week published by West Midlands Police.

And there have been 61 violent or sexual assaults already reported in the area in the months of January and February this year.

October 2017 had the highest number of violent or sexual assaults reported with 48.

Hotspots included the Bristol Road and the largely student populated areas of Hubert Road and Heeley Road.

Three attacks took place at Selly Oak train station.

Police warned students not to walk alone at night back in December after two young women were groped in separate attacks three hours apart in Hubert Road.

At the time a West Midlands Police spokesman said: “We are carrying out extra patrols in Selly Oak after two young women were touched inappropriately by a man.

“Be reassured that officers will be increasing patrols in the area, however please consider your personal safety and if possible do not walk alone during the evening.”

Students at the University of Birmingham have run events specifically aimed at tackling the problem, most recently hosting several events and launching the ‘Not On’ campaign under the umbrella of ‘Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week’.

Over 100 students turned out to march around campus for a recent event called ‘Reclaim The Night’ where a stand was made against sexual violence and street harassment.