Open Access Government discusses the prevalence of campus sexual assault in the US, the profound effects on university students, and how cases of assault can be reduced
In the landscape of American higher education, the spectre of sexual assault casts a long and troubling shadow over university campuses, posing a formidable challenge to the welfare of students. The prevalence of these incidents, coupled with their underreporting, has spurred ongoing debates about campus safety, student rights, and the efficacy of institutional policies. While universities have made strides in addressing sexual misconduct, gaps in support systems and ambiguities in procedural responses still exist, often leaving survivors in a quagmire of trauma and uncertainty.
How common is sexual assault on college and university campuses in the US?
Sexual assault on college and university campuses in the United States is a pervasive issue, with approximately 13% of students experiencing rape or sexual assault. (1) Prevalence data indicates that students face significant risks, and the consequences of such trauma are multifaceted, including psychological, physical, and academic impacts. The effects of trauma, such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety, can severely disrupt a survivor’s ability to function and thrive in an educational setting.
Strategies to address and reduce the incidence of sexual assault include education on consent, bystander intervention programs, and promoting a culture of respect and safety. Campus resources play a critical role in supporting survivors and offering counselling, medical care, and legal assistance. However, reporting barriers such as victim-blaming, scepticism, and fear of retaliation often discourage survivors from seeking help, which underscores the need for campuses to create more accessible and supportive reporting processes.
Why cases of sexual harassment and violence on college and university campuses are under-reported
Between 2015 and 2021, the total number of sexual offences reported at higher education institutions increased by 23%. (2) However, the pervasive under- reporting of sexual harassment and violence on college and university campuses in the US stems from a complex interplay of factors, including fear of retaliation and institutional inadequacies. Survivors may confront a labyrinth of reporting barriers that discourage them from coming forward, such as fear of not being believed or taken seriously, concerns over confidentiality and potential public exposure, and frustration with complex reporting procedures and outcomes.
How sexual harassment and violence can impact students’ mental health
Understanding the under-reporting of sexual harassment and violence on campuses highlights the need to examine the profound effects these experiences have on students’ mental health. The trauma effects manifest as a spectrum of mental health issues, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, which can significantly disrupt a survivor’s day-to-day life.
The academic consequences of such trauma cannot be overstated. Research correlates sexual victimisation with decreased academic performance, as survivors may struggle with concentration, attendance, and engagement in their studies. Moreover, relationship difficulties frequently emerge, which can lead to isolation and exacerbate mental health struggles.
Institutional barriers further impact the mental health of survivors, potentially deterring them from seeking the help they desperately need. Universities must address these barriers and provide accessible, compassionate support to aid in the healing process. Only then can the full scope of sexual harassment and violence’s impact on mental health be mitigated, allowing students to pursue their education in a safe and supportive environment.
University support services
Colleges and universities across the United States offer a range of support services to aid students who have experienced sexual harassment and violence. Campus resources and Title IX support play crucial roles in providing immediate and long-term aid. These resources include counselling and mental health services, individual therapy sessions, support groups and educational initiatives to promote understanding of consent and bystander intervention.
Prevention programs are also integral and include providing education on healthy relationships and consent, workshops and seminars that foster respect and communication, bystander intervention techniques and training on how to safely intervene and prevent potential assaults.
