Hundreds of sexual misconduct claims filed at Scotland's universities since 2016

Almost 400 accusations of sexual impropriety have been made to Scottish universities in the past five years, new figures have shown.

A series of freedom of information requests by the PA news agency have shown 394 reports were made to Scotland’s 18 higher education institutions since the 2016-17 academic year, not including the Open University.

However, the figure is likely higher, with the Royal Conservatoire and Heriot Watt University refusing to divulge the number of accusations they have received for fear of identifying those involved – saying only that there were less than five accusations in each year.

The highest number of accusations were made at Edinburgh University, where 76 reports were filed, followed by 68 at St Andrews University and 60 at Glasgow University.

Edinburgh University received the greatest number of sexual misconduct allegations.

The Glasgow University figures include 13 reports made by staff members against colleagues.

St Andrews University: Three students thrown out and 20 others disciplined for alleged sexual misconduct

About 308 of the reports were made against students, while about 68 were made against members of staff. Edinburgh Napier University provided a percentage of total accusations which were made against students (84%) and staff (16%), meaning the figure cannot be extrapolated with complete certainty.

Confirmed investigations were launched into at least 257 of the accusations, resulting in at least 130 sanctions being handed down.

At Glasgow University figures include 13 reports made by staff members against colleagues.

The number of investigations and punishments are also incomplete, due to the responses from universities.

For example, the Royal Conservatoire said it could not specify the number of investigations undertaken or sanctions handed down for fear of identifying those involved.

Punishments included included 22 exclusions, five suspensions, two dismissals of staff and 46 warnings or cautions.

READ MORE: Former Scottish university professor who sexually assaulted students avoids jail

Sandy Brindley, chief executive of Rape Crisis Scotland, said: “All students should be able to study free from the fear and reality of sexual violence and yet these figures show that this is not the case for too many.”

She added that students who suffer sexual violence often have to continue their studies alongside their attacker.

“At best, this can leave survivors feeling unsafe and unsupported but, too often, it also leads to them feeling unable to continue with their studies and dropping out.

“This is, frankly, unjust and not something that we should simply accept.”

Ms Brindley went on to call for universities to make supporting the victims of sexual violence “a priority”.

She said: “Universities must show leadership in addressing sexual violence within their campuses, and in ensuring fair and transparent processes are in place for investigating any complaint of sexual violence or misconduct.

“The wellbeing and safety of students experiencing sexual violence must be a priority.”

A spokesman for Universities Scotland asked victims to come forward to give institutions “an accurate picture” of the problem.

“Universities want to be safe and respectful communities for both their students and staff,” he said.

“Sadly, that’s not everyone’s experience and that requires universities to respond effectively.

“We want to encourage students to report all forms of sexual misconduct so we have an accurate picture of the scale and can take appropriate action.

“Every university has policies and procedures that set standards and expectations of staff and students in their behaviour as well as conduct.”

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