Are Students from Appalachia More at Risk for Interpersonal Victimization at a University than Non-Appalachian Students?

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

Abstract

In recent years the media’s spotlight on college campus sexual assaults has prompted discussions regarding prevention of victimization for students. Past studies have highlighted certain vulnerable groups (i.e. first year students) however minimal research has been done looking specifically at Appalachian populations. This study explores Appalachian distinctiveness in terms of attitude and experiences with sexual assault among students at a southern university. This presentation will present findings from our campus climate survey which examine whether Appalachian students, similar to past research regarding first year students, hold different attitudes towards rape myths, affirmative consent, and bystander intervention than non-Appalachian students and whether they are a more vulnerable population for different forms of interpersonal victimization. Results from this study will inform policy and prevention programming for other post-secondary institutions with a large Appalachian population.

Authors

• Diane Follingstad, University of Kentucky

• Xian Wu, University of Kentucky

• Joesph M. Calvert, University of Kentucky

• Caihong R. Li, University of Kentucky

• Jaspreet Chahal, University of Kentucky

• Claire M. Renzetti, University of Kentucky