Violence towards st udents in higher education: a syst ematic review
Higher education is a crucial period for the intellectual, personal, and social development of young
adults. A safe living and learning environment is essential for optimal development. However, multiple
testimonies have drawn attention to misconduct in various contexts, including academia. This systematic review aims to provide insight into sexual, physical, psychological and online violence towards students in higher education. We included 70 articles form peer-reviewed journals published between 2010 and 2022, focusing on five key aspects: prevalence, victim and perpetrator characteristics, impact on well-being and academic functioning, perceptions, and bystander behavior. The results indicate that misconduct towards students in higher education is prevalent and significantly impacts various aspects. However, scientific knowledge regarding higher education in Flanders is scarce, necessitating caution in generalizing results and highlighting the need for future research to expand knowledge and develop evidence-based prevention programs to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.