Examining the Nature of Sexual Assault on College Campuses using Law Enforcement Data on Reported Victimizations

• In Event: Improving Police-Community Relations through More Meaningful Data on Public Safety and Community Wellness

Abstract

Over the past year, the federal government has focused increasing attention on research and statistics about sexual assault on college campuses. Data from the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) is a source of rich information about sexual assault on campus, with data contributed directly by law enforcement agencies serving campuses and agencies investigating offenses occurring in university settings. This presentation will examine the nature of sexual assaults on college campuses using NIBRS. Specifically, the presentation will highlight differences in patterns of victimization across a number of incident characteristics, including the overall incidence of each type of sexual assault; the gender and age of victims and offenders; victim/offender relationships; the incident’s day, time, and location; weapon use; injuries sustained; and whether an arrest was made in relation to the incident. The presentation will also discuss whether the nature of sexual victimizations occurring on campus differs from victimizations occurring in off-campus settings.

Authors

• Erica L. Smith, Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Department of Justice

• Alexia Cooper, Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Department of Justice

• Kimberly Martin, Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Department of Justice