Sexual harassment among higher education students and staff: insights from a multi-country European study

Sexual harassment (SH) remains pervasive in higher education (HE), affecting students and staff. However, most existing research stems from Anglo-Saxon contexts, and European studies have predominantly examined specific subgroups rather than the entire university population. This study addresses these gaps by measuring SH prevalence across six European HEIs, drawing on a sample of students and staff. By contrasting SH prevalence throughout respondents’ entire time at the institution with prevalence in the past 12 months, this study offers a dual-timeframe analysis of how current social position relates to vulnerability and risk. More than one-third of respondents had experienced SH since starting at their HEI, and less than one-fifth within the past year; in-person SH was more prevalent than online SH in both periods. Younger respondents, sexual minorities, professors, and research staff were disproportionately at risk of recent SH, while those not in a steady relationship showed higher odds regardless of timeframe. No significant differences emerged by gender identity or ethnic group membership. Among respondents with any history of SH, a majority reported experiencing it within the past year, pointing to the persistent, rather than isolated, nature of SH exposure. These findings support evidence-based, targeted strategies for safer, more inclusive academic environments.