Petition Introduce a Duty to Prevent Sexual Violence at Welsh Universities
Students in Wales are not protected by a legal duty requiring universities to prevent sexual violence. With 24.5% of UK students experiencing sexual misconduct, according to OfS, urgent action is needed.
We call on the Welsh Government to introduce mandatory consent and bystander training for all students and staff, clear reporting systems, transparent data publication around sexual violence and survivor-centred policies to make campuses safer and institutions accountable.
More details
Students studying in Wales are being put at a disadvantage by the lack of proactive, statutory requirements for preventing sexual violence in higher education.
While the Welsh Government has taken steps to address sexual violence more broadly, prevention must extend to universities where students live, study and socialise.
In England, the Office for Students introduced Condition E6, creating regulatory consequences for institutions that fail to address harassment and sexual misconduct. Wales currently has no equivalent protection, leaving students behind.
Sexual violence is not inevitable, it is enabled by inaction. Students deserve safety, accountability, and a duty to prevent harm in law.
BACKGROUND:
Cardiff University student says she was hassled for fees after rape- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-67240860
Rape survivor: Sexual violence uni staff training might have saved me-https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-68294038
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