At least 32 women studying at the University of Manchester have reported being tormented by male peers during late-night calls, according to a new investigation. The first call came at 2am for Charlotte Buttercase, who answered, thinking it might be a fellow student in distress. Instead, a male voice allegedly made inappropriate remarks, including a reference to suicide, followed by laughter from other males in the background. The caller then made sexually explicit comments, leading Charlotte to identify the behavior as sexual harassment before ending the call.
Pattern of Abuse
Charlotte, 24, is among a group of female medical students who allege they have been sexually harassed by male colleagues. The calls often occur late at night and involve multiple men laughing in the background. The abuse is said to have started as early as 2023 and has affected several year groups. Charlotte has waived her anonymity to lead a campaign for justice, prompting the university to launch a formal investigation.
Impact on Victims
One student, who remains anonymous, described receiving a call at 1am where the caller asked her to make sexual noises and became aggressive when she refused, calling her a 'bitch' and telling her to kill herself. She noted that many female students have experienced similar calls, with some receiving missed calls from unknown numbers. The university has agreed to investigate the allegations and is reviewing cultural and systemic issues.
Greater Manchester Police initially found no crimes, but victims hope the force will reconsider as more cases emerge. Charlotte's open letter to the vice chancellor, signed by over 1,000 people, demands a safe educational environment. The university has expressed deep concern and is taking action to support affected students.
