Campus Sexual Assault Prevention Programs: A Qualitative Review and Meta-Synthesis

• In Event: Community Responses to Sexual Violence

Abstract

Sexual assault is a serious problem on University and College campuses, with estimates that 20% of women and 6% of men will experience sexual assault during their studies. It is speculated that the statistics are much higher as sexual assault is grossly underreported. Many post-secondary institutions have implemented prevention initiatives to mitigate the incidence of sexual assault. Research studies have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of initiatives on decreasing sexual assault. However, less emphasis has focused on students’ evaluations of how these prevention initiatives may or may not be meeting their needs. Thus, using the Joanna Briggs methodology, we conducted a qualitative systematic review with meta-synthesis that critically appraised and synthesized the qualitative evidence on campus sexual assault initiatives. Five databases were systematically searched, which resulted in 25 included studies. The meta-synthesis (currently in progress) will generate synthesized findings of the included studies. The findings may assist in the generation of recommendations for post-secondary administrators in developing campus-based sexual assault prevention programs that meet the needs of diverse student groups. Furthermore, initiatives that incorporate students’ experiences may also assist students to engage with prevention programs and ultimately reduce the incidence of sexual assault on campus.

Authors

• Karen McQueen, Lakehead University

• Jodie Murphy-Oikonen, Lakehead University