Student surveys in Edinburgh and Cambridge have revealed the extent of hidden sexual violence among students.
A survey of over 2100 students in Cambridge, conducted by Varsity student paper and the Cambridge student union's women's campaign, found that almost half of students surveyed had been "groped, pinched or grabbed" during their time at university.
Over 140 students at Cambridge University say they have experienced "attempted serious sexual assault" involving penetration and more than half of respondents say they have felt uncomfortable due to sexual comments. The majority of the incidents took place in the students' colleges at the university.
Of those who experienced an assault in Cambridge, 88% say that they didn't report it. Only two students reported the incident to the police, while 10 students reported the incident to staff or students with an official welfare role in their college.
The most common reasons students give for not reporting sexual assault includes thinking that they won't be believed or feeling ashamed of what has happened.
Meanwhile a similar survey of over 700 students in Edinburgh found that nearly a third of students have experienced sexual harassment while at the university. Of these, 61% say they have changed their behaviour due to fears for their safety, but only 7% reported the incident to the police.
The research in Edinburgh found that over the last few years students have seen a "rise in" and "an acceptance of" sexual harassment in bars, clubs and union buildings.
The news follows reports that the White House is to investigate 55 universities and colleges in the US, including Harvard and Princeton, for their handling of sexual abuse complaints.
The White House has said that one in five female students in the US is assaulted. Barack Obama has appointed a task force to review the issue, after hearing complaints about the poor treatment of campus rape victims and their hidden nature.
Students at universities around the UK have consistently said that they don't feel they can report sexual offences.
One female student at Cambridge says: "I had a strong fear I wouldn't be believed or I would be blamed for what had happened. I didn't feel I could tell anyone."
Another student at Cambridge says: "I have no reason to believe that my report will be taken seriously, be investigated or result in a conviction. On the contrary I have every reason to believe that he would be acquitted."
In 2010, an NUS survey of over 2,000 students around the UK found that one in seven female students experienced serious physical or sexual assault during their time as a student.
The reports this week indicate that sexual violence experienced by students remains a largely unreported crime.
