Sexual Misconduct in Higher Education – What the New OfS Data Tells Us

The Office for Students (OfS) has just released new research into sexual misconduct in universities and colleges across England - and the findings are hard to read. Nearly one in four final-year students who took part said they’ve experienced sexual harassment since starting higher education.

That’s a huge number of students whose university experience has been overshadowed by harassment, assault, or abuse of power.

What the survey found

Here are some of the key points:

• 24.5% of students reported experiencing sexual harassment.
• 14.1% said they had experienced sexual assault or violence.
• Women are affected far more often – one in three women reported harassment compared to one in eight men.
• LGBTQ+ students are at particular risk – almost half of lesbian, gay, or bisexual students reported harassment, and nearly a third reported sexual assault or violence.
• Reporting is low – only around one in ten students who had experienced harassment in the past year made a formal report.

The survey also highlighted issues around power and relationships: some students reported being in a relationship with a staff member, and in most of those cases, that staff member was directly involved in their teaching or assessment.

Why this matters

University should be a place where you feel safe to learn, grow, and enjoy your time as a student. Sexual harassment and assault don’t just affect wellbeing – they can have a huge impact on confidence, mental health, and the ability to succeed academically.

The OfS says these findings will help universities understand where changes are needed and make sure students are better supported. New rules mean universities and colleges now have to take action – from being clearer about how you can report, to making sure both students and staff get training, and banning NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) that have too often silenced survivors.

You’re not alone

If you’ve experienced harassment or assault, it’s important to know you’re not alone – and that it wasn’t your fault. Reporting can feel daunting, and the survey shows that many students still don’t feel able to take that step. But if you do choose to, your university or students’ union should be able to support you through the process.

There are also national organisations and charities that can help, offering confidential advice and support outside of your institution.

Moving forward

This new data shines a light on just how widespread sexual misconduct is in higher education – but it also gives us the chance to push for real change. Every student deserves to feel safe on campus and to know that, if something does happen, they’ll be listened to and supported.

If you’ve been affected by anything in this blog, please reach out to your university support services, students’ union, or trusted national charities for help.

You deserve to feel safe, respected, and supported throughout your studies.