Allegations of sexual harassment and assault by students aren’t going away with awareness campaigns and helplines. A new Oxford University study has found that one in four female students at the university had experienced some form of sexual assault in the previous year. While there are sector-wide standards in place, there needs to be more clarity and determination around implementing best practice in investigations.
Recent media reports have, again, pushed university administrators and how they deal with sexual harassment and assault cases into the spotlight; the kinds of stories that suggest an uneven picture when it comes to attitudes to allegations and the processes used. Worst of all, there have been suggestions that some institutions lean towards secrecy in handling allegations.
Policy development is needed to steer the sector to a place where institutions and their leaders can face these kinds of sensitive and complex allegations with more confidence. Turning the tide on sexual harassment and assault cases will only happen with a change in culture among students — led by the professional response from the institution. That doesn’t come from threats and warnings of zero tolerance, but openness and trust: the certainty that worries and complaints will be listened to, there will be open conversations and a fair-minded investigation. In other words, everyone knows what’s expected from each other, and what will happen if boundaries are crossed — there’s no hiding behind secrecy, fear or privilege.
