At a glance: All the Russell Group unis and their policies in place for gender violence

Violence against women and girls has become a growing issue across the country, now deemed a national emergency by the National Police Chiefs’ Council and College of Policing. As of January 2025, at least one in 12 women are victims of VAWG-related offences every year.

Given that a large majority of victims do not report offences to the police, the true number is likely to be much higher. Students at UK universities have been calling for more support from their institutions in the form of protests, open letters and society events.

Here’s a look at all the Russell Group unis with gender based violence policies in place.

University of Leeds

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In 2024, Uni of Leeds launched its award-winning sexual violence education and prevention campaign, Show Up for Leeds. The campaign is designed to educate and empower students, created in partnership with experts, staff, students and the LUU. Advice and resources are accessible on the Leeds Uni website.

The university also supports initiatives like the Feminist Research into Violence and Abuse (FRIVA) network, which focuses on interdisciplinary research and advocacy related to violence against women.

University of Birmingham

Uni of Birmingham is “committed to creating an environment where everyone can feel safe and supported” and works to “help raise awareness of violence against women and girls”. It hosts a number of events, such as Brunch & Be Heard and Gender Equality Research discussions, to review UoB research and explore challenges and opportunities, including funding.

In February 2024, it participated in Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week.

University of Bristol

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The University of Bristol’s Centre for Gender and Violence Research began as the activist-based Domestic Violence Research Group (DVRG) in 1990.

Alongside regular meetings, formal seminars and reading groups, staff and students meet regularly in a more informal setting to share research, participate in local and national events, support specialist GBV non-governmental organisations, and have fun in a collaborative and collegiate environment. By working and celebrating together, the group aims to support members in what can be a challenging area.

University of Cambridge

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The Uni of Cambridge currently has the Harassment and Violence Support Service (HVSS) and runs consent workshops which have expanded to 11 colleges on the Cambridge campus.

This came after students called for more action from the institution, including via an open letter.

The uni since implemented a comprehensive framework to address gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual misconduct and in 2017, launched its Breaking the Silence Campaign, an initiative promoting a zero-tolerance stance on sexual misconduct, offering resources, training, and clear reporting channels.

Cardiff University

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In 2016, Cardiff University launched AGENDA, a guide to support young people to raise awareness of gender-based and sexual violence in schools and local communities. The initiative is led by the university and co-produced with NSPCC Cymru/Wales, Welsh Women’s Aid, the Children’s Commissioner for Wales and Welsh Government.

However, student representatives from Cardiff’s Stronger Together and Time To Act have campaigned for changes in how the university tackles sexual violence.

Durham University

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Durham University’s Sexual Misconduct and Violence Policy reflects the university’s commitment to establishing a culture of support and respect. In 2021, he university increased finding for specialist counsellors and hired two former police officers as full-time professional investigators of misconduct, making it the first UK university to have multiple investigators.

University of Edinburgh

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University of Edinburgh launched Equally Safe, a specialist team in the University Wellbeing Service which offers support for anyone who has been affected by sexual violence and other forms of current or historic gender-based violence.

The university also has a range of proactive policies and dedicated services in place to raise awareness of GBV, reduce the incidence of abuse and harassment and can take appropriate action to help improve student and staff safety and wellbeing on campus.

University of Exeter

Exeter Uni has a number of gender-related policies as a part of Exeter Speaks Out, including a sexual misconduct policy for both students and staff.

It also has a sexual misconduct procedure, with an accompanying video, accessible on its website.

University of Glasgow

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Uni of Glasgow’s Together Against Gender-Based Violence campaign was launched a response to the Morag Ross KC Report in December 2022. The report reviewed UofG’s handling of gender based violence.

The campaign works closely with the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) to communicate the different forms of GBV and how their community could access advice and support.

Imperial College London

In 2021, the Deputy President (Welfare) ran multiple campaigns against sexual violence, from implementing the Ask for Angela scheme to training bar staff on how to test drinks for spiking drugs.

Student Services at Imperial now have a team of Student Support Advisers that help students who have experiences sexual violence, sexual misconduct or harassment, as a part of its Sexual Violence and Harassment Support initiative.

University of Liverpool

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Liverpool has multiple research projects into violence against women and girls in partnership with Monash University and the University of Central Lancashire.

It has a gender equality policy, and joined the Athena Swan Charter in 2009, where it was recognised with an institutional Silver award in 2016 and again in 2022.

University of Manchester

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Out of all the Russell Group unis with gender based violence policies in place, the University of Manchester became one of the first universities in England to join the EmilyTest GBV Charter pilot in April 2025. The Charter is based on five principles: Open and learning, educated and empowered, comprehensive and connected, equal and inclusive, and safe and effective.

EmilyTest was founded by Fiona Drouet after the tragic loss of her 18-year-old daughter, Emily, a law student who died by suicide following physical and psychological abuse by a fellow student while living in halls of residence.

Newcastle University

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Newcastle University maintains a Student Health and Wellbeing Service to support students who have experienced sexual violence or harassment. Information on how to report and support for sexual violence and unwanted sexual behaviour is accessible on its website.

University of Nottingham

Another one of the Russell Group unis with a focus on gender based violence, Nottingham’s #getconsent campaign was launched by assistant professor Dr Katharine Jenkins in addition to the Nottingham Consent Coalition.

The campaign aims to send a strong message that the university does not tolerate any kind of sexual violence, expose and challenge rape myths, increase empathy towards survivors of sexual violence, promote healthy and equal relationships, prevent misogyny and sexual harassment, and to challenge “lad culture”.

University of Oxford

Oxford Against Sexual Violence is a joint campaign between the University and Oxford University’s student union, Oxford SU, sending a clear message that sexual harassment and violence of any form is never acceptable.

Students can additionally report instances and find support with the university’s Sexual Harassment and Violence Support Service. Students and staff also have access to a free online, interactive consent programme, Consent for Students.

Queen Mary University of London

Queen Mary has a strict zero-tolerance policy to gender-based violence and maintain a responsibility to prevent it within its communities.

In 2022, it partook in 16 days of Activism against GBV to mark awareness, action, and allyship.

University of Sheffield

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Sheffield Uni provides support for sexual and harassment, including how to report, on the university website.

Similarly to Queen Mary, Sheffield is another one of many Russell Group uni unis with gender based violence policies, and which took part in the 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based violence campaign. Like in many other cities, multiple Reclaim the Night protests have occurred in Sheffield city centre.

University of Southampton

The Southampton Says Enough initiative is a gender-inclusive campaign that attempts to increase public awareness of sexual assault, harassment and violence at the university.

Inspired by the “Enough” campaign launched by His Majesty’s government to stop violence against women and girls, the campaign aims to develop support systems and regulations to minimise sexual assault, harassment, and violence as well as support victims/survivors.

University College London

Out of all the unis with gender based violence polices, UCL runs inaugural reports on tackling Misogyny and Gender Based Violence in collaboration with student representatives from RUMS, the student union and the EDI Committee.

The UCLMS have an “ongoing commitment for creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students and staff” and incorporate activities both within and on a wider level beyond undergraduate MBBS programmes.

University of Warwick

One of the unis with numerous gender based violence policies, the University of Warwick has policies against discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct, abuse and violence integrated into its Dignity Principles Policy.

Warwick is another one of the UK universities to partake in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, and held discussions and workshops throughout the period for staff and students to attend.

Warwick additionally has an active Safer Warwick campaign for students who have felt unsafe on and off campus.

University of York

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In 2021, the university launched a Sexual Violence Steering Group, with the aim of working together to identify the best ways to prevent, respond to and investigate incidents of sexual misconduct. The purpose of the group broadened to encompass issues of gender based violence, of which sexual violence, in 2023.

In 2023, York organised a Light Up The Night walk during Sexual Violence Awareness Week, where 200 students and staff stood in solidarity with survivors of Sexual Violence. Various partner agencies hosted stalls to engage with students and staff about support available locally.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article and need immediate support, the following services are available.  

SHOUT is the UK’s free, confidential, 24/7 mental health based text service. To start a conversation, text SHOUT to 85258.

The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is a 24/7 confidential service for those experiencing domestic abuse. Call 0808 2000 247 for free support. More details are available here.

Rape Crisis England and Wales offers specialist support for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse. Call 0808 500 2222 or visit their website for more details.

The Men’s Advice Line offers free, confidential support for men experiencing domestic violence. Call 0808 801 0327. More info here.

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