Addressing Sexual Violence on Campus: An Evaluation of a Bystander Intervention Program

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

Abstract

The problem of sexual assault on college campuses has been the subject of renewed focus, specifically garnering recent attention from politicians, campus administrators, and students. Within the scope of federal regulation compliance (including Title IX, the Clery Act, and the Dear Colleague letter), institutions of higher education are rolling out various efforts to address sexual violence among students. Bystander intervention, a generic term describing programming that focuses on peer education and prosocial attitudes, has emerged as programming that may be effectual in changing the climate of sexual violence on campus. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the outcomes of a campus bystander intervention program in terms of bystander knowledge, skills, and perceptions about the culture of sexual assault. The implications of these findings will be assessed within the context of campus policies, procedures, and practices. Additionally, the research will discuss the importance of the student role in reducing campus violence.

Authors

• Carrie Cook, Georgia College

• Jennifer Graham, Georgia College