Universities urged to act following studies on equality and sexual consent

The UK’s Crown Prosecution Service conducted the largest survey of its kind in five years, revealing that rape consent myths persist. The prosecution service survey found that some participants were unable to identify that certain behaviours would amount to an offence of rape. The findings provided insights into public perception of serious sexual offences, underscoring the prevalence of harmful stereotypes and misconceptions. Simultaneously, a study from King’s College London’s Policy Institute and Global Institute for Women’s Leadership, in partnership with Ipsos UK, revealed an emerging gender divide in young people’s attitude towards masculinity and women’s equality. The research, based on a representative survey of 3,716 people aged 16 and above, found that young men today are no more supportive of action on gender equality than older men.

The recent studies quizzed a group that makes up a large proportion of the student population, with the attitudes of these groups having “serious implications for universities”, higher education expert Julian Sladdin at Pinsent Masons said. The revelations emphasise the urgent need for comprehensive sex education, particularly around the concept of consent within universities and other higher education institutions, with these institutions uniquely positioned to educate young adults about consent.

The Office for Students (OfS) expects universities to create a safe and respectful environment for students, and to prevent and respond to sexual violence and harassment. “However, the persistence of rape consent myths in society can undermine these efforts, as they can affect the safety of students, the effectiveness of university prevention programmes, and the overall culture within the institution,” Sladdin added.

“The results also highlight the ongoing need for promoting gender equality and challenging harmful stereotypes, which are essential for preventing sexual violence and harassment,” Sladdin said. The King’s College survey examined views on terms such as ‘toxic masculinity,’ with 41% finding the term unhelpful. A total of 48% asked said it was harder to be a woman than a man today, with this question seeing the biggest gender gap in views as 68% of women aged 16 to 29 felt it was harder to be a woman, compared with 35% of men of the same age. Looking ahead, one in six of the UK public overall believed that in 20 years’ time it will be harder to be a man than a woman. This view was held by 30% of men aged 16 to 29, almost twice the overall average.

The recent survey results show the urgency of developing robust methods to measure and improve ways in which institutions intervene with, as well as challenge, myths that could enable a culture of sexual violence. The findings further highlight the attention needed in terms of gender equality. However, the findings provide an opportunity for improvement within universities and existing policies. Higher education expert Stephanie Connelly said: “While there is no doubt the results of the surveys are alarming, the survey results also offer an opportunity for universities to tailor their educational content and student support services to the needs and challenges of their students, especially those who are transitioning from secondary school or college to university”.