MORE than two dozen sexual misconduct complaints were made by students at University of Oxford.

A Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the institution revealed that there were 22 formal complaints made by students against fellow students and four by students against staff over the last four years.

The misconduct claims include sexual harassment, sexual assault or rape.

A spokesperson for the university commented on the figures: “The University of Oxford always treats sexual violence and harassment as completely unacceptable.

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“We are committed to minimising all forms of sexual misconduct and continue to invest in our support and disciplinary systems to reflect this.

“When allegations are made, we always respond swiftly and investigate and deal with complaints as quickly as possible.

“When complaints are upheld, staff and students are liable to strict disciplinary action.”

But University of Oxford also confirmed that there have been no expulsions during the time period as a result of an investigation by the Proctor's Office.

The spokesperson also revealed that a number of steps were taken over recent years to improve support for students who have experienced sexual harassment and violence.

These include the launch of the Sexual Harassment and Violence Support Service for students two years ago.

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In its first year it received 167 referrals from October 2018 to August 2019 concerning sexual harassment and violence.

This was a significant increase compared to the previous (pre-service) year where only 11 cases were recorded.

The vast majority of these were received directly from students or came via referral from the Counselling Service or college welfare staff.

Of these referrals, 142 were received by the service and 25 were direct referrals to the Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVA).

The service is a collaboration with Oxfordshire Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre, which provides confidential and independent support.

It also offers advice to students about the options available to them, including how to make a complaint.”

The next annual report, which will reveal the number of claims for 2020, will be published this spring.

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