News/Blog

Office for Students: Sexual Misconduct Survey 2025

The Office for Students recently published their sexual misconduct survey, which aimed to measure the prevalence of sexual harassment and sexual assault/violence among university and college students in England. Over 50,000 students participated.

Summary of findings:

• 24.5% of respondents reported being subjected to at least one instance of sexual harassment since becoming a student
• 14.1% of respondents reported being subjected to at least one instance of unwanted sexual contact (sexual assault/violence) since becoming a student
• Only 13.2% of students who were subjected to an incident in the last 12 months made a formal report to their university or college
• For students who were assaulted in the past 12 months, the most common perpetrator was another student
• Students under 21 are less likely to report than students aged 26+

These groups of students reported a higher prevalence of both sexual harassment and sexual assault/violence:

• Female students
• Those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or who have another sexual orientation
• Those under 21 at start of their course
• Disabled students
• Jewish, No religion and Any other religion or belief students
• Those in the IMD quintile 5 (least deprived)
• Those not eligible for free school meals

EmilyTest Response:

The findings from the Office for Students 2025 Sexual Misconduct Survey are deeply troubling, yet regrettably unsurprising. The data reveals that nearly one in four students have been subjected to sexual harassment, with women being disproportionately affected - nearly three times more likely than men.

While the survey’s findings are disheartening, they serve as a stark reminder of the work that remains to be done. At EmilyTest, we remain committed to improving Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention, intervention and support at institutions throughout the UK and Ireland.

We believe that through collaboration with institutions, policymakers, and advocacy groups we can ensure that every student can live and study in a safe and supportive environment.