Finding a Safe Zone: An Examination of Sexual Assault among Queer College Students

• In Event: Creating a Safe Space: Addressing Sexual Violence on College Campuses

Abstract

Sexual assault on the college campus is a widely discussed and researched issue. However, despite the vast amount of knowledge we have regarding sexual assault among college students, most of the literature is based on sex differences and largely ignores how sexual identity and gender identity may play a role in sexual victimization. The purpose of this study is to examine whether demographic factors, including sexual identity and gender identity, effect sexual victimization among college students. In addition, I compare the effect of demographic factors to contextual factors (e.g., campus size, campus residence). Finally, in addition to examining these factors, I also review sexual assault and violence prevention programming (e.g., Safe Zone and MVP) on college and university campuses across the United States. In doing so, I provide alternate explanations and possible solutions to the sexual victimization of queer college students in the United States. This study used data from the American College Health Association (ACHA) Fall 2011 survey.
Keywords: victimization, sexual assault, higher education, gender, sexual identity

Author

• Sarah Rogers, Mississippi State University