More than half of students at the University of Oxford were sexually harassed within one year of arriving, according to new research, with the authors warning that the prevalence of sexual violence in UK universities could be far higher than among the general population.
Researchers said self-reported statistics on the scope of the problem were essential to adequately implement prevention, but data in the UK was limited.
The paper used data from the cross-sectional Oxford Understanding Relationships, Sex, Power, Abuse and Consent Experiences (Our Space) survey, which was distributed to all Oxford students in May 2021.
Of the 1,318 respondents who answered at least one question, 21 per cent said they had experienced at least one act of attempted or forced sexual touching or rape within the previous year.
