Violence at University Pilot Project: This study investigates students' experiences of violence and victimisation - including harassment, crime and discrimination - while studying at UK universities.
Phase 1 (Survey) = Nov 2020 - Oct 2021. - Phase 2 (Qualitative Interviews) = Jan 2024 - July 2024
Download or view the initial research findings via City Research Online:
Project timeline: Nov 2020 - Ongoing
Methods: Anonymous online survey questionnaire + online 121 interviews
Institution: City, University of London (Centre for City Criminology)
Project lead/Principal Investigator: Dr Carrie-Anne Myers
Postdoctoral researcher: Dr Holly Powell-Jones
Overview: The aim of this pilot study is to investigate the feasibility of measuring violence, in all of its forms, both within and beyond University Campuses. The study aims to examine students’ experiences of violence during their time at university, as well as highlight broader issues re: student safety and wellbeing.
The core goals are to assess how best to investigate/measure student victimisation at university, identify gaps with regard to tackling violence on campus, and support the development of strategies to improve student safety and wellbeing.
The pilot was developed as part of the sector wide Universities UK Changing the Culture Initiative. Findings from the initial report are based on data gathered using the Violence at University Questionnaire. The full survey is available online, as well as in the accompanying Appendix and the research team would welcome its use and any feedback from fellow HEI’s.
This project was funded by the R&E QR Strategic Priorities Fund (QR-SPF) and we are extremely grateful for the opportunity to carry out this vital research.
Follow-up qualitative interview data was gathered in 2024 to inform the survey design, including relevant language/terminology re: violence on campus.
Research Team & Collaborators:
Dr Carrie-Anne Myers, City, University of London
Dr Holly Powell-Jones City, University of London
Professor Helen Cowie, University of Surrey
Dr Emma Short, De Montfort University
Ms Fiona Waye, formerly of Universities UK
Mr Nathan Hudson, NatCen (National Centre for Social Research)
Click here to download the Violence at University Pilot Project Report
Citation: Myers, C. A., Powell-Jones, H., Cowie, H., Short, E., Waye, F. & Hudson, N. (2023). Violence at University Pilot Project: Student experiences of violence, harassment and discrimination. London, UK: City, University of London. https://openaccess.city.ac.uk/id/eprint/30106/
