Edinburgh’s top university has investigated more allegations of sexual assault against students than any other institution in Scotland, according to a new report.
Bosses at the University of Edinburgh probed 52 cases of students suffering abuse in the last five years.
Data obtained via Freedom of Information (FOI) request found more than half were investigated under the terms of the Code of Student conduct, but only 18 led to disciplinary action.
A further four students at the centre of inquiries opted to leave the institution before any probes were completed.
Overall figures more than doubled from 20 reported incidents across all Scottish universities in 2015/16 to 41 incidents across 2019/20.
Due to the data protection of students, Heriot Watt University could only specify there had been between three and five incidents each year, while Queen Margaret University reported just two.
A spokesman for the University of Edinburgh said: “We take all complaints about any students or staff members seriously, and deal with any incidents that are brought to our attention in a sensitive manner.
“We encourage students to use our reporting channels so that we are then able to fully investigate any incidents.
“We recognise that sexual violence is a problem in society and we are committed to addressing this issue on campus.
“We have invested significantly in awareness raising, delivering training for students and staff and ensuring there is effective professional help and support available for any student who needs it, whether they choose to report the incident through official channels or not.”
Elsewhere, The University of Glasgow investigated 39 incidents of sexual assault while the University of St Andrews had 42 reports of sexual misconduct over the five year period.
Meanwhile the University of Stirling investigated 25 cases and saw a 50 per cent drop over the past two years.
A spokesperson for the National Union of Students (NUS) Scotland added: "Seeing so many students being subject to sexual violence is heartbreaking and demands urgent action.
"Sexual violence is a real problem on our campuses and we need Universities, Colleges and Government to do more to ensure student safety.
“It is crucial that institutions have clear and accessible reporting procedures to allow students to come forward to report sexual assault, while offering specialist support and care throughout the process.
“It is vital the Scottish Government continues to implement the Equally Safe strategy across institutions to combat gender-based violence on our campuses.”
