Educational Status and Help-Seeking Behaviors of College-Aged Victim/Survivors of Sexual Assault

• In Event: Mental Health, Help Seeking, and Victimization

Abstract

Purpose. The current study examines reporting and help-seeking behaviors in a sample of 18–24-year-old female victim/survivors of adult sexual assault (N=208). We examine differences in reporting and help-seeking between traditional college students, non-traditional college students, and non-students.

Design. In a paid online survey, respondents provided information about characteristics of a sexual assault, including if they called the police (11%); sought treatment at an emergency room, hospital, or other healthcare center (11%); sought help from a women’s center, shelter, or rape crisis center (9%); or told a counselor, therapist, or psychologist about their assault (21%). Binary logistic regressions control for assault and demographic characteristics.

Findings. Traditional students were significantly more likely than non-students to report to police, seek medical care, seek help at a women’s center, and disclose to a mental health professional.

Conclusions. Since non-students in this age group have a higher risk of sexual assault than students, and these women are less likely to seek help in various forms, it is important to understand barriers to help-seeking and increase access to victim/survivor resources and knowledge beyond the college campus.

Authors

• Kait Boyle, University of South Carolina

• Elizabeth Culatta, Augusta University