Britain to tackle harassment against female students

One in seven females at British universities experience serious physical or sexual assault during their time as students, a report published on Sunday has revealed.

Over two-thirds told a survey they had experienced harassment, including groping and unwanted sexual comments, during their days on the campus. Almost one in eight also reported being stalked while at university, Xinhua news agency reported.

It led to an announcement on Sunday by government business secretary Sajid Javis that a nationwide taskforce is to be set up to help reduce violence against women and girls on university campuses.

The government's Department for Business, Innovation and Skills Universities has been asked to set up and lead the new taskforce.

A department spokesman said the taskforce will work with the higher education sector, to develop a code of practice to bring about cultural change and improve existing complaints mechanisms to make them more effective.

The taskforce will be convened later this year and work over a 12-month period.

Some universities are currently involved in campaigns and initiatives, often with Students' Unions, to help guarantee student safety.