Campus Sexual Violence: Testing a Multilevel Victimization Framework

• In Event: The Role of Social Institutions and Victimization

Abstract

Campus sexual victimization (CSV) is a serious public health concern. Research has consistently noted that these crimes occur at a higher rate among collegiates compared to the general population. Recent reviews of CSV suggest that to better understand student exposure to CSV it is critical that investigations apply a theoretically based framework that considers campus context. Our project addresses key gaps in CSV research by examining how campus characteristics can impact student experiences with CSV, with deliberate focus on students from historically marginalized and vulnerable populations, as these students are at greater risk of victimization. We propose a secondary data analysis of the AAU’s Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct, 2014-2019 dataset, which provides a diverse yet focused sample of campus populations. Our objective is to examine CSV using a multilevel Routine Activity Theory (RAT) framework to better understand the factors influencing campus sexual assault victimization and reporting decisions, particularly as they relate to marginalized student populations. Placing our investigation within a theoretically defined model will allow us to identify cross-campus differences in CSV. We will examine the prevalence, frequency and types of CSV applying a Multilevel RAT model.

Authors

• Maria Joao Lobo Antunes, Towson University

• Eileen Ahlin, Penn State University

• Kelly Socia, University of Massachusetts Lowell