UCU response to the Office for Students (OfS) sexual misconduct survey 2025

UCU has responded to the OfS sexual misconduct survey 2025 which reveals 24.5 per cent of students experienced sexual harassment and 14.1 per cent experienced sexual assault or violence.

Jo Grady UCU general secretary said: "These shocking figures expose just how widespread sexual harassment and assault are in our universities, with one in four students reporting harassment and one in seven experiencing assault. There is also widespread evidence that poor working conditions and power imbalances also leave staff vulnerable to harassment and abuse. 

"No one should have to fear abuse, yet institutions are still failing to protect them. It is a national scandal, and vice-chancellors cannot keep turning a blind eye, this demands urgent, sector-wide reform and accountability. Students and staff deserve safe campuses, not excuses.