The issue of campus sexual violence remains a persistent problem at universities globally, with efforts to reduce its incidence continuing to fall short. While legislation like the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination (SaVE) Act in the United States, signed into law in 2013, has mandated prevention programming and survivor protections, the underlying issues remain deeply entrenched. Recent initiatives are attempting to address the low reporting rates – less than one in ten sexual assaults are ever reported – and the fact that most attacks are perpetrated by repeat offenders.
One emerging approach involves the use of technology to circumvent the traditional barriers to reporting. A tech company, as reported in , is offering a solution focused on the culture of secrecy surrounding campus rape. This includes initiatives like Callisto, designed to address the significant underreporting of sexual assaults.
In , a controversial scheme gained attention in Bristol, United Kingdom, where volunteers from the not-for-profit organisation Enough began distributing DIY rape swab kits to students. The kits, accompanied by chocolate, were intended to highlight and discuss sexual violence. Enough was launched as a pilot program in October of the same year, initially offering free DNA testing kits to students who had reported rape, alongside online support resources. The organization states its launch followed consultation with police, criminologists, lawyers, and psychologists.
The DIY kits have sparked debate. Some argue that providing these kits is “better than doing nothing,” particularly given the reluctance of many victims to engage with traditional reporting mechanisms like Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs). However, critics have raised concerns about the potential for the kits to be considered reckless, and whether they offer a genuine solution to the complex problem of sexual assault.
The low reporting rates are a key concern. Research consistently demonstrates that a significant proportion of college students, approximately one in four women, will experience nonconsensual sexual contact during their time in higher education. This figure is even higher for some students depending on racial and sexual identity and the specific environment of the institution they attend.
Efforts to address campus sexual violence have historically focused on reducing the role of alcohol and drugs, and encouraging bystander intervention. However, these approaches have proven insufficient. A growing body of research emphasizes the need for a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the issue, particularly through an intersectional lens.
Jessica Harris, an associate professor at the UCLA School of Education and Information Studies, has explored the unique experiences of women of color who have experienced campus sexual violence. Her research, detailed in the book “Hear Our Stories,” highlights how existing sexual health education, institutional reporting policies, prevention programs, and healing resources often fail to adequately address the intersectional realities faced by these survivors. Harris’s work suggests that a failure to acknowledge and address these specific needs contributes to the ongoing problem.
The need for structural interventions is also gaining traction. Decades of data consistently show that roughly 25 percent of college women experience a completed or attempted rape. Experts argue that addressing this requires moving beyond individual-level interventions and focusing on systemic changes within universities and colleges.
A public health approach, utilizing the Haddon Matrix and the 3Es of interventions – Education, Engineering, and Enforcement – is being proposed as a potential framework for reducing sexual assault. This approach emphasizes a multi-faceted strategy that addresses the issue at various levels, from individual behavior to institutional policies and environmental factors.
research indicates a crucial need for clear dissemination of campus-specific resources for students who have experienced sexual assault, whether on or off campus, and regardless of whether the assault occurred before or during their studies. This includes ensuring that students are aware of reporting options, support services, and legal rights.
Recent investigations have also revealed that assailants on college campuses often face limited consequences for their actions. A report highlighted that not only do assailants frequently avoid punishment through Title IX reports, but they may even receive preferential academic treatment. This lack of accountability further perpetuates the cycle of violence and discourages survivors from coming forward.
Student-generated solutions are also being explored. A qualitative study assessed undergraduate students’ perceptions of available resources and identified potential improvements to sexual violence response and prevention efforts. This community-based participatory research approach recognizes the importance of involving students in the development of solutions that address their specific needs and concerns.
As of , the debate continues regarding the most effective strategies for tackling campus sexual violence. While technological solutions and DIY kits offer potential avenues for increasing reporting and empowering survivors, a comprehensive approach that addresses systemic issues, incorporates an intersectional lens, and prioritizes student involvement is likely to be essential for achieving lasting change.
