Sexual assault incidences in most American colleges
Through careful analysis of sexual assault incidences in most American colleges across the United States, it has been gleaned that while most universities have implemented policies to curb sexual assault cases, these guidelines have had minimal success in control rape. Within the campus environment, sexual violence is still a pressing issue. Female students in the conventional university age range of 18 to 23 are approximately five times more likely to be sexually assaulted than women in any other age group (Fischer & Cullen, 2013). Even further, roughly 20% of college women and 4% of men have been sexually harassed at least once while they were in college. The estimated rate for queer students is slightly higher.
Despite the development of stringent university policies and federal legislation, the cases of rape in most American campuses are till grossly under-reported. Those that are reported are, regrettably, not routinely made official (Dills, Fowler & Payne, 2016). A probable explanation for this failed reporting is that acquaintances survivors commit most in-campus assaults and attempted rape. This ends up obscuring people’s interpretation of consent and sexual assault. Moreover, unlike ‘stranger rape,’ sexual assault from a person familiar to the victim may not be perceived as ‘rape.’ Undeniably, this indistinction lessens the likelihood of reporting. Another explanation for the failure to report rape cases is that survivors fear a breach of confidentiality. Also, some have observed that fear of not being believed by campus officials has discouraged many victims from seeking help (Streng & Kamimura). Doubtlessly, bearing in mind that most campuses have implemented regulations to help lower the rates of sexual assault, the rate of under-reporting of rape cases should be a cause for concern for every stakeholder.
Among survivors, rape has untoward health ramifications. Sexual assault survivors have an increased chance of developing psychological disorders such as Post-Traumatic Distress Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder (Mellins et al., 2017). Besides, compared to those who have not been victims of sexual violence, survivors are more likely to drop out of school. Indeed, students who have been violated hardly ever perform at their earlier academic levels. Unintended pregnancies and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are additional negative impacts. Beyond the damaging effects on individuals, colleges and universities may be negatively impacted. Firstly, sexual assault, by disrupting the safe and hospitable learning environment, undermines an institutional education mission. Secondly, such incidents cast doubts a campus commitment to tackle this menace. Also, it might damage an institution’s stand in the community. To preserve the safety and health of their students, it is imperative that every college re-assesses its laid down sexual assault and misconduct guidelines. Further, this move will ensure that there are acceptable learning environments for every student.
The principal objective of this study is to determine whether the current college policies and campus outreach programs are effective in lowering sexual assault events among college-age students. This study analyzed how effective the policies implemented in 119 American colleges across the country, are in combating sexual assault. Additionally, it seeks to establish whether these campuses have any policies outlining the in-campus usage of alcohol. It will also determine if these regulations comply with Title IX. By discussing the impact of these policies thus far, this study will contribute to furthering people’s knowledge of sexual assault policies on American campuses, which would help in the development of more effective guidelines. This paper will discuss the current strategies and determine their success in combating this scourge. Also, it will give recommendations on how to improve the fight against sexual violence.