By Holly Hemsley

Two thirds of young women aged 13-17 reported that they have been victims of sexual jokes and invasive physical behaviours, according to a study conducted by PLOS One in 2022. This means that more than 60% of high school aged girls are facing sexual harassment.

Women are disproportionately affected by sexual violence, with the World Health Organisation reporting that internationally, one in three women have suffered physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. In 2024-25, 95% of the rapes recorded after the introduction of the Sexual Offences Scotland Act 2009 had a female victim. 86% of the sexual assaults recorded also had a female victim.

Sexual abuse towards women and girls is a global public safety issue, and it’s only getting worse. Sexual crimes are at their second highest level since 1971, as recorded by the Scottish Government website.

There is a notable difference in rates of sexual harassment between young men and women in schools, reflecting the worldwide distinctions of gender-based violence. The study conducted by PLOS One confirmed that within the categories; “Showed you or sent you sexual images or messages you did not want to see” and “Pressured you to send them a naked (nude) or sexual picture of yourself”, girls had reported this at a rate 15.8% higher than boys.

During the past 10 years, the number of violent crime perpetrators under the age of 16 has increased from one in 10 to one in three, according to the Scottish Crime and Justice Survey published in September of 2025. This has impacted the number of victims of violent crime under 16 years old.

Victims of sexual violence or coercion in childhood report higher levels of substance use and risky sexual behaviours, with females much more likely to be victims of similar crimes in adulthood. Males who commit sexual or gender-based violence in childhood and adolescence are much more likely to reoffend in adulthood.

Men and boys being the main perpetrators of violent and sexual crime is nothing new. According to the Equality Evidence Finder, 73% of violent crimes are committed by male individuals.

Most young women have suffered some level of sexual assault before they have even left high school. The Scottish Crime and Justice Survey states that 55% of sexual abuse survivors experience this kind of treatment between the ages of 16 and 20. By fourth year, 25% of pupils report being victimised by sexual comments or jokes, according to the study conducted by PLOS One.

It’s not just female students suffering from gender-based violence. Teachers and staff are reporting high levels of verbal and physical harassment by male school children.

The NASUWT Behaviour in Schools Report conducted by the Teachers Union states that in Scotland, 49% of female teachers have experienced physical abuse or violence from pupils over the last year. Only 36% of male staff reported facing abuse from students.

The Scottish Government has recently launched the Relationships and Behaviour in Schools: National Action Plan that will be implemented until review in 2027. This action plan aims to create a safer environment for teachers within primary and high schools, working together with parents, carers, support staff, and pupils.

The Equally Safe Strategy has also been adopted by most schools in Scotland since its introduction in 2023. The strategy focuses on ensuring that girls feel safe attending school, and is developing national guidance regarding how to best educate students on gender-based violence.

Is Gender-Based Violence Scaring Young Women Away From Education?