Examining the Context of Sexual Victimization and its Personal and Social Impacts on Survivors at a College Campus

• In Event: Interpersonal Victimization on College Campuses: Results from a Southern University’s Campus Climate Survey

Abstract

This research explores the relationship between student lifestyle characteristics and the personal consequences and social impacts of sexual assault victimization at a large university in the southeastern region of the U.S. Data collected from an annual campus safety survey are utilized to explore three relationships: 1) the relationship between victim lifestyle characteristics and the personal consequences of sexual assault; 2) that of these personal consequences on the social impacts of sexual assault; and 3) the reciprocal influence of social impacts on the personal consequences of sexual assault. Overall, endorsement of affirmative consent elements and rejection of rape myths exerted the strongest effects on the personal consequences of sexual assault victimization. Additionally, the hypothesis that personal consequences of sexual assault are associated with a variety of social impacts is supported. Experiencing serious emotional difficulties exhibited the strongest and most consistent effect on the social impacts of sexual assault. Results also provide evidence of a reciprocal relationship between the social impacts of sexual assault and victim lifestyle characteristics. Not only do lifestyle characteristics significantly relate to the social impacts of sexual assault experienced, but some social impacts also influence victim lifestyle characteristics.

Authors

• Joesph M. Calvert, University of Kentucky

• Xian Wu, University of Kentucky

• Caihong R. Li, University of Kentucky

• Jaspreet Chahal, University of Kentucky

• Diane Follingstad, University of Kentucky