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Britain to launch taskforce to tackle harassment against female students

Xinhua, September 6, 2015 Adjust font size:

One in seven females at British universities experience serious physical or sexual assault during their time as students, a report published Sunday has revealed.

Over two thirds told a survey they had experienced harassment, including groping and unwanted sexual comments, during their days on the campus. Almost one in eight also reported being stalked while at university.

It led to an announcement Sunday by the government business secretary Sajid Javis that a nationwide taskforce is to be setup to help reduce violence against women and girls on university campuses.

The government's Department for Business, Innovation and Skills said Universities UK has been asked to set up and lead the new taskforce.

A department spokesman said the taskforce will work with the higher education sector, to develop a code of practice to bring about cultural change and improve existing complaints mechanisms to make them more effective.

The taskforce will be convened this fall and work over a 12 month period.

One idea is to introduce a "kitemark" to identify universities and colleges which introduce successful policies to tackle the issue.

The survey which highlighted the issues facing female students was carried out by the National Union of Students.

Some universities are currently involved in campaigns and initiatives, often with Students' Unions, to help guarantee student safety.

Nationally, Universities UK has been working with others such on issues as so-called "lad culture" to tackle sexual harassment and sexual violence at universities.

Olivia Bailey, NUS National Women's Officer, said: "Women aged 16 to 24 have a higher risk of experiencing domestic violence, but there appeared to be little awareness of this amongst students. The picture we have revealed is disturbing.

"Nearly one in four has experienced unwanted sexual contact. Many women students struggle to get through their course without coming into to contact with harassment or violence. Whether it is being harassed in the students' union bar, or abuse in intimate relationships, our report reveals a serious problem that needs urgent action," Bailey said. Endit