Putting it on the RADAR: Rallying Against Domestic Abuse and Rape within a Rural University

• In Event: Contemporary Issues in Intimate Partner Abuse

Abstract

Although rape and sexual assault among college students continues to garner significant research attention, a dearth of information focuses on this social problem within a rural university setting. The aforementioned is unfortunate given that victim/survivors in rural communities often experience unique barriers to acquiring help: an adherence to traditional gender roles, increased gun ownership, limited access to social service agencies, and limited police officers to respond to calls for service (Hume, 2007). Moreover, despite these factors, there have been no studies (as of this writing) documenting prevention and intervention efforts to combat this problem within this unique setting. Taking into account this significant gap in existing literature, the first stage of this project entailed investigating the scope and prevalence of the problem at a rural university. These data then informed prevention and intervention efforts to address sexual victimization, rape, and domestic abuse within that student population. These data contribute important information regarding the experiences of victims/survivors of sexual victimization and/or domestic abuse residing in rural communities and offers strategies for prevention/intervention efforts.

Author

• Jordana N. Navarro, Tennessee Technological University