Citation

Lindquist CH, Crosby CM, Barrick K, Krebs CP, Settles-Reaves B. J. Am. Coll. Health 2016; 64(6): 469-480.

Affiliation

Howard University , Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences , 530 College Street NW Washington , DC 20059.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07448481.2016.1181635

PMID

27115202

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To document the sexual assault disclosure experiences of Historically Black College or University (HBCU) students. Participants 3,951 female, undergraduate students at four HBCUs.

METHODS All women at the participating schools were recruited in November 2008 to participate in a Web-based survey including both closed- and open-ended questions. Survey data were weighted for nonresponse bias.

RESULTS The majority of sexual assault survivors disclosed their experience to someone close to them, but disclosure to formal supports, particularly law enforcement agencies, was extremely rare. Non-reporters had concerns about the seriousness of the incident and their privacy. On the basis of qualitative data, strategies identified by students to increasing reporting included more education and awareness about sexual assault, more survivor services and alternative mechanisms for reporting, and better strategies for protecting the confidentiality of survivors.

CONCLUSIONS Official sexual assault victimization data are of limited utility in conveying the extent of sexual assault among HBCU students and efforts to increase reporting, such as peer education and enhanced confidentiality procedures, are needed.

Language: en