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THE UNIVERSITY OF Cambridge in the UK has admitted it has a “significant problem” with sexual misconduct after receiving almost 200 complaints over the past few months.
A total of 173 complaints have been received since May last year when the university launched a new anonymous reporting tool.
Cambridge is the first university to reveal a high number of reports through the database, even though several other institutions have since introduced similar systems.
Of the 173 complaints filed, some 119 were made by students alleging sexual misconduct against other students.
Two students issued complaints against members of staff, while seven staff members complained about fellow colleagues.
Writing in a blog on the university’s website, professor of English private law and pro-vice chancellor for education, Graham Virgo, said that the data “supports our belief that we have a significant problem involving sexual misconduct”.
“What we now need to ensure is that those who have been affected receive the support and guidance they need,” Virgo said.
“We expected high numbers, and view it as a metric of success. It appears victims have confidence in our promise that these figures will be used to judge the nature and scale of sexual misconduct affecting students and staff and to act to it accordingly,” he said.
To accompany the reporting tool, Cambridge launched a Breaking the Silence campaign in October. The university has credited the campaign with prompting the second largest spike in reports in Cambridge’s history.
“The early signs of the impact of Breaking the Silence are encouraging. Before the campaign, 52% of those reporting recent incidents thought nothing would be done if they made a complaint,” Virgo said.
That figure has dropped to 30% since the launch, he said.
“Clearly, there is work still to do, but that campaign’s message that those who report will be supported and action can be taken is starting to have an impact.”
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Any figures on the type of sexual misconduct or how many claims weren’t legitimate? Without those the figure means nothing.
@Toomasu Sumitsu: they have details of the types of sexual misconduct, it’s part of their anonymous reporting tool but it being anonymous none of the incidents have been investigated/ verified. You should take a look at the links provided in this article, they’re better than the article itself.
@Toomasu Sumitsu: The University authorities don’t think so – and I think we could hazard a guess as to the ‘type’….
@Karen Wellington: that’s a good point. I’ll look into it more. From the information in the article it seems premature to say there’s a problem when the data doesn’t seem very good.
@Toomasu Sumitsu: straight to it’s not true eh?
Alternative headline: Less than 1% of Cambridge students victims of sexual misconduct.
@Ben McArthur: less than 1% are making anonymous reports..some of which will undoubtedly be vexatious.
@Ben McArthur: so that’s ok?
What actually is sexual misconduct ?
@Briain O’Dochartaigh: Sexual misconduct is a broad term encompassing any unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature that is committed without consent or by force, intimidation, coercion, or manipulation. Sexual misconduct can be committed by a person of any gender, and it can occur between people of the same or different gender.
@Briain O’Dochartaigh: it’s misconduct of a sexual nature
How much off it was just banter . These “cases ” are getting a bit out off hand if you ask me. I think we should just all drop the hand and forget about it.
@Axl: the word ‘banter’ seems to have evolved into a defensive byword for inappropriate/revolting speech.
there is a major problem in academia. and since colleges are often the first experience of a more adult lifestyle then there are plenty of potential victims wandering around being impressed by charismatic tutors, professors, college society organisers and the like.
Hollywood and academia have a lot in common it seems.
@Niccolo Saccho: Being some of the most famous and successful institutions in world history maybe ??
I wonder how many of these complaints were in relation to “microagressions”…
@mac.kerel: none, it’s not an option on the complaint form. The links in the article can direct you to the relevant page, and you see what information they ask for
@Royston Fitzpatrick: well maybe I’d be more worthy of commenting if I resorted to personal attacks just like you. “Littered” implies abundant or a large number. I’m suggesting that, relatively speaking, the number isn’t that high. As someone else pointed out the number of complaints represents less than 1% of the Cambridge community and that’s assuming there aren’t numerous complaints made against single individuals. If you expect to see a problem you can find evidence for it even if it ignores the big picture or the quality of the evidence. It’s something we all have to be wary of. If you didn’t mean to suggest that a large number of men are creeps then maybe you’ll be more precise with your language in future. Maybe even consult a dictionary.
Unfortunately, a lot of “me too”. – becoming fashionable!
Almost getting to the point that if you are female, and have *not* had any improper, “unwanted sexual advances”, then you are somehow not normal.
@Martin Lintzgy: unfortunately a lot of assaults and harassment happens. Should men and women just put up with it?
173 complaints made and what’s been done about them.
have your say