Introduce a Duty to Prevent Sexual Violence at Welsh Universities
Open for signatures until 20 November 2026.
1,611 signatures
- More than 250 signatures: considered by the Petitions CommitteeReached
- More than 10,000 signatures: considered for a debate in the SeneddNot reached
Students in Wales are not protected by a legal duty requiring universities to prevent sexual violence. With 24.5% of UK students experiencing sexual misconduct, according to OfS, urgent action is needed.
We call on the Welsh Government to introduce mandatory consent and bystander training for all students and staff, clear reporting systems, transparent data publication around sexual violence and survivor-centred policies to make campuses safer and institutions accountable.
More details
Students studying in Wales are being put at a disadvantage by the lack of proactive, statutory requirements for preventing sexual violence in higher education.
While the Welsh Government has taken steps to address sexual violence more broadly, prevention must extend to universities where students live, study and socialise.
In England, the Office for Students introduced Condition E6, creating regulatory consequences for institutions that fail to address harassment and sexual misconduct. Wales currently has no equivalent protection, leaving students behind.
Sexual violence is not inevitable, it is enabled by inaction. Students deserve safety, accountability, and a duty to prevent harm in law.
BACKGROUND: Cardiff University student says she was hassled for fees after rape- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-67240860 Rape survivor: Sexual violence uni staff training might have saved me-https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-68294038
Signatures by constituency
The Senedd's petitions website lists 1,272 of the 1,611 signatures under a Senedd constituency.
| Constituency | Signatures |
|---|---|
| Caerdydd Penarth | 528 |
| Caerdydd Ffynnon Taf | 353 |
| Pontypridd Cynon Merthyr | 47 |
| Gŵyr Abertawe | 45 |
| Casnewydd Islwyn | 42 |
| Pen-y-bont Bro Morgannwg | 38 |