Students who are victims of harassment may not find out the outcome of their complaints
(Picture: PA Wire)Universities are refusing to tell students who report being harassed the outcome of investigations into their complaints for fear of breaching data protection, it has been revealed.
Universities UK has told its members to be more transparent in how they handle harassment complaints and more willing to share information about the outcomes of investigations.
The group, which represents 140 universities, has issued guidance to education institutions urging them not to have a blanket ban on sharing information, but instead to treat each case individually.
It said that failing to tell students the outcome of investigations could make them think universities do not take harassment seriously.
Currently, it could be the case that a student complains about being racially harassed by another student and never finds out the result of the investigation.
Universities UK said a student who complained of being racially harassed could be left fearing for her safety and considering leaving her course because she did not realise the person she complained about had been disciplined and left the university.
Professor David Richardson, vice-chancellor of the University of East Anglia, said: “It takes great courage for an individual to report an incident of harassment and it is vital they feel they have achieved something by coming forward.
“We hope this guidance will empower universities to make informed, considered and appropriate decisions to share personal data while complying with data protection legislation. This is critical if we are to encourage more victim-survivors to speak out.
“We must send an unwavering message to students and staff that any form of harassment will not be tolerated — but some current practice undermines confidence in that commitment.”
The new guidance states: “Withholding information on complaint outcomes can impact a victim’s willingness to formally report an incident, as they may lack confidence that doing so will lead to a fair and effective response. They may even have concerns for their safety, or the safety of others, if the response and action taken is not explained.”
It comes as research from psychologists at the University of Warwick suggested that students with financial worries and sleep difficulties are at higher risk of mental health problems.
It is hoped universities can use the information to identify students at higher risk and introduce early interventions to prevent problems.
Professor Nicole Tang, from the University of Warwick’s Department of Psychology, who led the study, said: “Some of the indicators of future mental health issues are things that we can act on, for example, a worsened financial situation, reduced physical activity and increased sleep difficulties. There are established bursary programmes and infrastructure for promoting sports and activities. There are also proven-effective treatments on insomnia.”
