Widening the Lens: An Ecological Review of Campus Sexual Assault

Abstract

Varying prevalence rates of sexual violence across colleges and universities indicate the need to understand institutional factors underlying such variation; however, research often focuses exclusively on individual risk and protective factors, which both under theorizes and under explains the phenomenon of campus sexual assault. In this review, we propose that broadening to include campus- and contextual-level factors is necessary to fully explain campus sexual assault. Using an ecological approach, we identify and synthesize research related to campus-level variation in sexual violence, including availability of campus services and resources for survivors, institutional risk factors such as alcohol and party culture, athletics, and fraternities, and the impact of policies at the state and federal levels. Suggestions are made for conducting additional research at the campus level and implications of reframing campus sexual assault from an institutional lens are discussed, including the importance of this approach for practice, evaluation, and policy.

The Campus Sexual Assault Policy and Prevention Initiative: Findings From Key Informant Interviews

“…Despite the horrifying extent of college sexual assault and the broad deleterious consequences, little is known about how variations in campus resources, demographics, and agency collaboration affects CSA prevention, detection, and response efforts (DeLong et al, 2018; Moylan & Javorka, 2020). The field needs this contextual information in order to create effective, efficient individual and institutional interventions to protect students in higher education (Banyard, 2014; DeLong et al, 2018; DeMatteo et al, 2015; McMahon et al, 2019; Mellins et al, 2017; Streng & Kamimura, 2015).…”

“…With regard to policy and procedure, more comprehensive campus sexual assault (CSA) policies (as defined by the 2014 Checklist for Campus Sexual Misconduct Policies; White House Task Force to Protect Students From Sexual Assault, 2014) are associated with lower CSA rates (DeLong et al, 2018) and are critical to the prevention of sexual violence (Moylan & Javorka, 2020; Richards, 2016). Currently, there is limited evidence surrounding the efficacy of individual CSA perpetration prevention programs (DeGue, 2014; DeGue et al, 2014), with the best evidence thus far supporting interventions that train bystanders to intervene.…”

Examining Responsible Employees’ Perceptions of Sexual Assault Reporting Requirements Under Federal and Institutional Policy

“…Understanding and solving the problem of campus sexual assault will require a focus beyond an examination of the prevalence of sexual violence. Research is needed to examine the implementation and impact of institutional, state, and federal policy (Moylan & Javorka, ). While some policy efforts aim to increase options available to sexual assault survivors (e.g., expanding victim advocacy services), others may reduce survivors’ disclosure options and choices (Holland et al., ; Richards & Kafonek, ).…”

“…A recent study found that campus personnel involved in the administration of sexual assault policy (e.g., victim advocates, Title IX coordinators) expressed concern that a state law requiring universities to report assaults to the police could take control away from survivors and decrease their ability to protect survivors’ confidentiality (Brubaker & Mancini, ). Institutional responses to sexual assault vary across campus contexts, and to adequately address sexual violence, it is essential to consider how the people within these institutions perceive and experience sexual assault policy (Moylan & Javorka, ). Responsible Employees’ perceptions of their reporting requirements can affect their work lives and relationships with students in significant ways.…”

From reactive to proactive : a descriptive case study of organizational change to institutionalize a campus Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) at a large Mid-Atlantic state university

“…An analysis of the background literature revealed three primary conclusions about the existing knowledge. First, the research indicated consistency in the prevalence, characteristics, and elements of sexual assault in higher education stating that 20% to 25% of college women experience some form of sexual assault (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2014;Cantalupo, 2009;Krebs et al, 2016;Moylan & Javorka, 2020). Despite the high rates of sexual assault, it is underreported across college and university campuses out of shame, fear, or self-blame (Cantalupo, 2009; End Rape on Campus, 2016).…”