Citation

Wolitzky-Taylor KB, Resnick HS, Amstadter AB, McCauley JL, Ruggiero KJ, Kilpatrick DG. J. Am. Coll. Health 2011; 59(7): 582-587.

Affiliation

UCLA Anxiety Disorders Research Center , University of California-Los Angeles , Los Angeles , California.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07448481.2010.515634

PMID

21823952

PMCID

PMC3211043

Abstract

Background: Studies indicate that a small percentage of rapes are reported to law enforcement officials. Research also suggests that rapes perpetrated by a stranger are more likely to be reported and that rapes involving drugs and/or alcohol are less likely to be reported. College women represent a unique and understudied population with regard to reporting rape. Methods: In the current study, the authors interviewed a national sample of 2,000 college women about rape experiences in 2006. Results: Only 11.5% of college women in the sample reported their most recent/only rape experience to authorities, with only 2.7% of rapes involving drugs and/or alcohol reported. Minority status (ie, nonwhite race) was associated with lower likelihood of reporting, whereas sustaining injuries during the rape was associated with increased likelihood of reporting. Discussion: Reporting, particularly for rapes involving drugs and alcohol, is low among college women. Implications for policy are discussed.

Language: en