Patterns, Challenges, and Successes in the Investigation and Adjudication of Campus Sexual Assault Cases

• In Event: Data-driven Perspectives on Reporting, Investigating, and Adjudicating Campus Sexual Misconduct

Abstract

Over the last decade, considerable attention has been paid to the response to campus sexual assault in institutions of higher education (IHEs). This NIJ funded study considers the response of IHEs to campus sexual assault in two ways. First, data collected from a random sample of 969 four year IHEs reflects the public face of how IHEs approach campus sexual assault and the information they provide on reporting, investigation, adjudication, sanctioning, support resources, and prevention programming. Results reflect that IHEs have a variety of investigatory and adjudicatory models that correspond, in part, to IHE characteristics, such as school size and religious affiliation. Second, interviews with Title IX coordinators explored the investigatory and adjudicatory models in more depth, including gathering information on the challenges and benefits of the models. All approaches to investigation and adjudication pose challenges, including to supporting victims, and challenges vary by IHE characteristics such as school size, the resources available, and the organizational and local legal environment. Results suggest that a one-size-fits-all approach to campus sexual assault is unlikely to meet the needs of the IHES and of the victims/complainants and accused/respondents.

Authors

• Linda M. Williams, Wellesley College

• April Pattavina, University of Massachusetts Lowell

• Alison Cares, Assumption College / Wellesley Centers for Women

• Nan Stein, Wellesley Centers for Women