SEXUAL VIOLENCE ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES: INDIVIDUAL EXPERIENCE AND COLLECTIVE SILENCE AMONG SURVIVORS

Empirical research shows that as many as 1 in 4 women in college will be raped or sexually assaulted. Despite the overwhelming prevalence of these crimes, survivors of sexual violence often feel uncertain, isolated, and fearful of judgment when coming forward to authorities. Sexual crimes continue to go unreported, and survivors continue to feel alone in their experience. Even among improvements in sexual violence education and response, it appears there is still something missing in the way that sexual crimes are handled. This research, based on in-depth interviews with women who have been assaulted or raped, addresses the processes of meaning-making women use following an experience of sexual violence. Specifically, it analyzes the women’s experiences of making sense of their victimization, the fears they had about reporting, and the cultural factors that influenced their decision to make or not make a report to the police. Patterns in the women’s experiences have implications for improved prevention and response efforts on college campuses.

Additional Abstract Information


Student(s): Kelsey L Ruane

Department: Sociology and Anthropology

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Matthew B Ezzell

Type: Oral

Year: 2014

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