Universities in England face fines if they fail to protect students from harassment

Use of NDAs in cases of harassment and sexual misconduct will also be banned under measures introduced by regulator

Universities in England will be fined if they fail to take adequate steps to protect students from harassment and sexual misconduct under measures that will also ban the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in such cases.

Higher education institutions will have to take steps to prevent abuse of power" where there are personal relationships between staff and students, the universities watchdog said.

Information and support for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse issues is available from the following organisations. In the UK, Rape Crisis offers support on 0808 500 2222 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, or 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland. In the US, Rainn offers support on 800-656-4673. In Australia, support is available at 1800Respect (1800 737 732). Other international helplines can be found at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html