Reporting Sexual Assault on College Campuses

• In Event: Policy Panel: The Future of Preventing College Sexual Assault

Abstract

The problem of sexual assault on college campuses is demonstrated in numerous studies that note persons aged 16-24 are at the highest risk of being sexually assaulted (White House, 2014). Some studies have the rate of sexual violence on college campuses, to be as high as 1 in 5 students (CDC, 2010), yet when reviewing campuses’ Clery Act security reports, it is clear that sexual assaults are underreported
The alarming gap between rates of sexual assault and reporting rates demonstrates victims’ reluctance to tell officials about their victimization. Understanding the factors surrounding victims’ reporting decisions is especially important given that perpetrators often commit multiple assaults. Unfortunately, research investigating the social impediments to reporting sexual assault and its possible effects on stopping repeat offenders has been limited. We must examine the perceived importance to college students of obstacles to reporting for both female and male victims. The most important obstacles: 1) feelings of shame and, guilt, 2) worries about confidentiality; and 3) fear of not being believed. Research on sexual assault has largely failed to examine the stigmatization and peer perceptions of victims who do report.
It is up to colleges to both provide supportive services, education and prevention on sexual assault to all the members of their communities.

Author

• Tommie Wilkins, Cabrini University