The University of Edinburgh has recorded more claims of “ sexual impropriety ” than any other Scottish institution over the five years, according to new figures.
Students and staff at the Capital’s most prestigious learning establishment have reported 76 accusations of misconduct against fellow learners or colleagues since 2016, data from a Freedom of Information (FOI) request has revealed.
It means the University is responsible for almost 20 per cent of all allegations recorded by similar higher education centres across the country over the same time period.
However the overall figure of 394, obtained by the PA news agency, is likely an underestimate after fellow Edinburgh institution Heriot Watt and the Royal Conservatoire refused to divulge the number of accusations they have received for fear of identifying those involved - saying only that there were less than five claims in each year.
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About 308 of the reports were made against students, while about 68 were made against members of staff. Edinburgh Napier University provided a percentage of total accusations which were made against students, 84 per cent, and staff 16 per cent, meaning the figure cannot be extrapolated with complete certainty.
Sandy Brindley, chief executive of Rape Crisis Scotland, said: "All students should be able to study free from the fear and reality of sexual violence and yet these figures show that this is not the case for too many."
She added that students who suffer sexual violence often have to continue their studies alongside their attacker.
"At best, this can leave survivors feeling unsafe and unsupported but, too often, it also leads to them feeling unable to continue with their studies and dropping out.
"This is, frankly, unjust and not something that we should simply accept."
Confirmed investigations were launched into at least 257 of the accusations, resulting in at least 130 sanctions being handed down.
The number of investigations and punishments are also incomplete, due to the responses from universities.
Punishments included included 22 exclusions, five suspensions, two dismissals of staff and 46 warnings or cautions.
A spokesman for Universities Scotland asked victims to come forward to give institutions "an accurate picture" of the problem.
"Universities want to be safe and respectful communities for both their students and staff," he said.
"Sadly, that's not everyone's experience and that requires universities to respond effectively.
"We want to encourage students to report all forms of sexual misconduct so we have an accurate picture of the scale and can take appropriate action.
"Every university has policies and procedures that set standards and expectations of staff and students in their behaviour as well as conduct."
Edinburgh topped the accusation table, followed by St Andrews, on 68, and Glasgow University, on 60.
PA found the Glasgow figures included 13 reports made by staff members against colleagues.
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A spokesman for the Scottish Government said: "University and college campuses should be places where students can live, study and research free from sexual harassment and gender based violence.
"This includes fostering a culture that is clear in its condemnation of gender-based violence and gives staff and students the confidence to report unacceptable behaviour.
"We have set out clear expectations that institutions are expected to adopt and adapt the Equally Safe in Higher Education Toolkit.
"In doing so we expect institutions to adopt a gendered analysis to this issue, assess their own policies and practices against the toolkit and put in place policies, reporting processes and support arrangements to keep students safe and engaged with their studies while meeting the needs and diversity of survivors.
"We encourage anyone who has been the victim of any such crime, or has information relating to any allegations, to contact the police immediately as these are criminal matters."
