Sexual Victimization: Incidence, Knowledge and Resource Use among a Population of College Women

• Published in: Journal of pediatric & adolescent gynecology 2005-04, Vol.18 (2), p.91-96
• Main Authors: Nasta, Aarti, Shah, Brijen, Brahmanandam, Shoma, Richman, Katherine, Wittels, Kathleen, Allsworth, Jenifer, Boardman, Lori
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Alcohol Drinking; Attitude to Health; Coercion; College students; Crime Victims - statistics & numerical data; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Incidence; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Police; Rape - statistics & numerical data; Rhode Island - epidemiology; Sex Offenses - statistics & numerical data; Sexual Behavior; Sexual victimization; Student Health Services - utilization; Students - statistics & numerical data; Universities
• ISSN: 1083-3188; 1873-4332
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2005.01.002

To assess the incidence of sexual victimization among a convenience sample of college women and evaluate both victims and non-victims' knowledge and use of available on and off campus resources. Written questionnaire distributed to students in lobbies of two campus libraries and large computing center A private northeastern university Upper-class undergraduate women (sophomores, juniors and seniors) Respondents (n = 234) were asked to complete demographic information, report instances of sexual victimization (including rape, sexual coercion and unwanted sexual contact) that occurred during the 1999–2000 academic year and indicate whether they would or did use either university and/or outside resources available to sexual assault victims. Of the women who participated, 38% (90/234) affirmed one or more episodes of sexual victimization, with 6% (14/234) reporting a completed rape and 4% (9/234) an attempted rape. Drug or alcohol-related impairment leading to unwanted sexual activity was reported by 15% (35/234) of women. Utilization of available on- and off-campus resources was uncommon among victims (22% and 6%, respectively); 12% contacted health services, while only 4% reported an event to university security. Victims cited fear, embarrassment and guilt, as well as lack of confidentiality, as the most common reasons for failure to use resources. Increasing campus awareness of sexual victimization and removing barriers to access for victims should remain university goals.