Results from the 'Sexual Violence and Harassment Views and Experiences' survey

Overview

We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for our students and staff. This includes taking all reports of harassment and sexual misconduct seriously and working to reduce the prevalence of harassment and sexual misconduct on campus. 

To support these aims, we undertake an internal survey every two years to gain insight into our students’ experiences of harassment and sexual misconduct, and their awareness and perceptions of the support the University offers. 

We believe that sharing this information is an important step in demonstrating accountability, and ensuring that our community is aware of the resources available to them.

On this page, you will find data from the surveys and direct action the University has taken in response to student feedback. You will also find information on the support available to survivors of sexual violence at the University of Sheffield.

Survey results

Sexual Violence Campus Climate survey 2023 - results summary (PDF, 413KB)

Sexual Violence and Harassment Views and Experiences survey 2025 - results summary (PDF, link to come)

Taking action

We will make changes in direct response to the data and student feedback from the surveys to ensure we are doing everything we can to provide a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.

What we heard from our students

Reporting

The 2025 data showed that only 10.1% of respondents who experienced sexual violence made a disclosure to the University. 

This shows that there is an under-reporting of sexual violence and a need to improve awareness of support resources and procedures.

Transparency and culture

The 2025 data showed that 59.3% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they believe the University takes instances of sexual harassment and sexual assault seriously.

This shows that some students don’t think the University takes the issue of sexual violence seriously.

Barriers

Non-binary and LGBTQ+ students are less likely to seek sexual violence support from the University.

Wellbeing

Of the respondents who indicated that they required mental health support as a result of sexual violence, only 59% were able to access the support they needed. Respondents also reported lengthy wait times or limited support from specialist external support services.

What we are doing in response to these findings

Awareness raising, communications and training

• We will continue to make improvements to our student training, with all students now required to undertake modules on harassment and sexual misconduct annually. 
• We have created a single source of information that is publicly available, setting out clear information about the available support and reporting options for students who experience harassment or sexual misconduct.
• We will work with the Students’ Union to identify ways in which we can improve awareness of available support and reporting options for students. 
• We will continue to improve our communications with students and staff about the support that is available at the University.

Transparency and culture

• We have updated the University’s Intimate Personal Relationships Policy, which now clearly sets out the University’s expectations on staff/student intimate relationships.   
• We will publish our disclosure and reporting data relating to harassment and sexual misconduct on a publicly accessible web-page by the end of the 2025/6 academic year.
• We will continue to publish the results of our internal surveys in future years.

Reporting

• We will make improvements to the way we promote Report and Support, with the aim of increasing awareness of reporting options amongst our community.  

Wellbeing

• We will continue to offer a specialist pathway of practical and counselling support for students who experience sexual misconduct or sexual violence.

Related information (including support details)

Further information about the support available if you’ve been affected by harassment or sexual misconduct is available below:

Harassment and sexual misconduct information