200% increase in campus sex crimes

ALLEGATIONS of rape, sexual assault and harassment at universities have more than trebled in just three years.

The huge increase comes after many universities made it easier for students to file complaints – a change promised in 2016 in response to growing concern about sexual violence on campus.

A BBC survey of 157 universities found the number of allegations recorded by 124 of them soared from 476 in 2016/17 to 1,436 in 2018/19 – suggesting the true total would be even higher if they had all responded to its Freedom of Information request.

Universities UK, which speaks for 130 institutions, published a series of recommendations in 2016 to prevent sexual harassment and violence among students, and to improve their response to victims.

A spokesman said last night: ‘Students and staff must feel able to report an incident with the confidence that it will be addressed, and an increase in disclosures suggests more willingness to report as well as a growing awareness about what constitutes sexual misconduct.

‘Our own research shows that while universities are making progress, more must be done.’

Of those universities replying to the BBC, 75 provided victims with specialist support while 33 said they employed investigators to look into incidents.

However, campaigners say university bosses have not gone far enough and need to lay on even greater support for students.

Yesterday, the research was discussed by MPs in the Commons. Solicitor General Michael Ellis said: ‘I would urge universities to look very carefully at how they are handling these matters.

‘It’s a particularly sensitive issue which they should handle with professional assistance.’