Russell points to Cambridge’s new anonymous reporting mechanism as a vital part in this, but stresses that “it doesn’t necessarily mean more survivors and victims of sexual assaults and violence feel more confident to make formal reports”. It’s much easier for people to report anonymously – there’s less chance they won’t be believed, for one, and many victims are unwilling or unable to go through formal complaint procedures, which are often traumatic.

Price also points out that the same policies and disciplinary procedures are often used for sexual assault as in cases of plagiarism – meaning victims feel disempowered, unprotected and not listened to. The low report rates are hardly a surprise.

The figures are not the be all and end all, either: there are plenty more things that universities need to do to start dealing with assault better.

“Training for all frontline staff likely to be the first person a victim or survivor discloses to is vital – to enable them to respond appropriately and sensitively, and be in a position to signpost individuals to specialist support and information, like their local Rape Crisis Centre,” Russell says.

“Good awareness-raising campaigns clearly also have a positive impact, and clear policies and procedures around reporting and dealing with sexual violence are a must for any organisation and institution.”

Universities and employers alike need to make sure that people are not only protected from sexual violence but that they have a way of reporting it safely. Price believes that universities in particular need to provide “effective report tools, awareness campaigns, specialist staff and survivor focused policies”.

The more we campaign to raise awareness of sexual violence, in the workplace, at home and on campus, the higher report rates will rise. But high rates indicate that people are finally starting to feel able to speak about the violence that they’ve been experiencing – and that brings us closer to eliminating that violence once and for all.

Images: Pixabay / iStock

"What the increased reports of sexual abuse at Cambridge University really show"