Sexual Assault and Intimate Partner Violence Among College Students in the U.S.: A Closer Look at Prevalence, Impact, and Characteristics of Reporting

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract

Colleges and universities across the U.S. have recently responded to calls from national policy initiatives aimed at better understanding the prevalence, nature, and context of sexual assault on college campuses. In particular, many colleges and universities are administering campus climate surveys to produce campus-specific data on the experiences and needs of students; however, prior studies on campus sexual assault suggest substantial variation in prevalence between campuses. Additionally, survey methodologies currently used and the types of data collected in campus climate surveys is unclear, which likely contribute to campus level variations. Furthermore, sexual assault among non-traditional college students, including the emerging adult population (ages 18-29) and students enrolled at community colleges and vocational and trade schools, is not clearly understood. This panel will address gaps in existing research on campus sexual assault and to better understand the prevalence and impact of sexual assault and intimate partner violence as well as characteristics of reporting and service utilization among college students, including older college students and students in non-traditional college settings (i.e. community colleges, vocational schools, and trade schools). Recommendations for future research on campus sexual assault, including federal programmatic and research priorities, will be discussed.

Sub Unit

• Area VI. Victimology / 28. Patterns and Trends in Victimization

Individual Presentations

• Campus Sexual Assault Climate Survey Methodologies and Findings - Carrie A. Moylan, Michigan State University; Jenna Randall, Michigan State University; Courtney Hatfield, Michigan State University

• Sexual and Intimate Partner Violence and Service use Among Female Community College Students - Rachel Voth Schrag, Washington University

• Factors Associated with Sexual Assault Police Reporting and Victim Service Utilization Among College-Enrolled Emerging Adults - Melissa Bessaha, Stony Brook University; Lisa Fedina, MSW, University of Maryland, Baltimore; Bethany Backes, USDOJ's National Institute of Justice

Discussant

• Lisa Fedina, MSW, University of Maryland, Baltimore