MALE STUDENTS are six times more likely to be physically assaulted than their female counterparts.
More than half of male students have been physically threatened, and 30 percent of them have actually been assaulted, according to a Student Direct survey of University of Manchester students.
Despite the fact that they are more than twice as likely to be mugged, 30 percent of male students believe themselves to be more streetwise and sensible than those who have been victims of crime.
While males were at much greater risk of crime, the survey clearly found that it was still female students that felt far less safe.
In light of the recent rape of a student in Withington, 42 percent of female students professed sexual assault to be the crime that they felt most at risk from.
24 percent of females stated that they did not feel at all safe alone after dark, although around a fifth of female students admitted to walking home alone after midnight.
Student Safety Officer Michael Joslin commented that: "Men's macho attitude is part of the problem, as they frequently put themselves in stupid positions, and don't believe themselves to be at risk."
Mugging emerged as the crime students believe themselves to be most at risk from overall, with just under half of all students stating that they had either been mugged or knew someone who had.
The survey also revealed that ten percent of all students have been burgled, and five percent say they have been threatened with a weapon during their time as students in Manchester.
Joslin went on to say: "Unfortunately the likelihood is that two thirds of students will either be mugged or experience some form of robbery whilst at University here."
He also criticised poor lighting on and around campus, and the lack of communication between students, university security and the police.
Over half the students surveyed said reported crime had an impact on their thinking, but only ten percent said that they had felt compelled to make any great change to their behaviour in terms of their personal safety.
78 University of Manchester students were surveyed.
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