COMPLAINTS by students and staff about sexual assault, rape or harassment have more than doubled in the past year at Glasgow University, figures show.

From 2018 to October 2019, 15 reports were received accusing students of sex crimes, including six alleging rape. This compares with six complaints over 2017-2018.

Three of the latest reports involved sexual harassment and four alleged sexual misconduct.

Of the seven cases investigated, six were upheld and eight cases were still pending as of October last year.

The university cited an increase in the number of students coming forward and improved reporting procedures for the rise in complaints and said there was “no evidence” of a rise in gender-based violence.

Figures obtained by the Glasgow Times also show that over the past three years, six members of staff have disclosed sexual harassment by another employee.

After investigation through the university’s disciplinary procedure, three cases were upheld and in one case, a member of staff resigned before an outcome was reached.

Read more: University's bid to end gender-based violence

Over the same period, there were three reports by students accusing staff or other students of sexual harassment. All three were upheld either in full or in part.

From 2017-2018, six cases of sexual assault, rape or harrassment were investigated of which four were upheld and one case was pending as of October 2019.

We contacted Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) and the University of Strathclyde to compare the number of complaints.

GCU said one student had been expelled for sexually harassing another female student in the past three years but there had been no other complaints in the past three years.

Meanwhile, Strathclyde University said two members of staff had been disciplined for sex assaults or harassment against students but did not provide any other figures.

Read more: Strathclyde University to hold independent inquiry into past complaints of sexual misconduct

A spokesman for Glasgow University said: “We have no evidence that the incidence of gender-based violence is rising, but individuals are more willing than ever before to come forward and report cases. “We see this as a positive thing - it allows us to support victims and, in collaboration with the police as appropriate, to take action against perpetrators.

“ Over the past year we have improved our reporting mechanisms, making it easier for students and staff to report any unacceptable behaviour, including sexual harassment or assault.

“This has included an online ‘Report and Support’ tool which students can use to report issues of any kind on campus or outside the University.

“In addition, we have increased the number of trained Respect Advisers and are working to raise awareness more generally about gender-based violence, harassment, bullying and discrimination.

“We work closely with the student unions and are encouraging them to pass cases on to our Senate Office for investigation under the Student Conduct Code.”

The University of Strathclyde said it had a range of reporting mechanisms and support measures including a weekly drop-in service run by Rape Crisis.

GCU launched a new campaign last year - Erase the Grey - which aims to signpost support to students and ‘open the conversation’ about gender-based violence.