Examining LGB-Identified Students’ Experiences with College Sexual Violence

• In Event: Campus Sexual Assault

Abstract

Methods: This quantitative analysis utilizes data collected as part of a pilot study administered online to all students attending a public northeastern university regarding their perceptions of and experiences with sexual violence in the university setting (n=10,794). The purpose of this study is to examine victimization experiences and reporting patterns among LGB-identified students (n=2,320) who experienced college sexual violence.

Results: Descriptive analyses and logistic regressions were run to examine LGB students’ experiences with sexual violence. LGB students were three times more likely to have experienced sexual violence prior to entering college and two times more likely since coming to college. Of the 361 LGB students who experienced unwanted sexual contact since coming to college, 66% told someone about the incident; only 4% of LGB students reported the assault to the police.

Discussion: These findings are consistent with research from other institutions that suggests sexual violence is a significant problem for LGB students on college campuses. Yet few of these incidents are reported to anyone, including police. LGB students face even greater challenges in reporting, due to fear of stigmatization and getting outed; thus there is a need for university police to be sensitive to the unique needs of this population.

Authors

• Laura Johnson, Rutgers University

• Sarah McMahon, Rutgers University