NCJ Number
137670
Date Published
1992
Length
65 pages
Annotation
This report -- in compliance with Virginia House Joint Resolution 194 which requested the Council of Higher Education to study sexual assault and rape on Virginia's college and university campuses -- presents the results of a survey administered to 5,000 students, a description of relevant programs and services on Virginia's campuses, guidance to institutions for the revision or development of sexual assault prevention and treatment programs, and a description of the task force work yet to be done.
Abstract
Fifteen percent of the women in the survey sample reported they had been coerced into sexual activity through emotional pressure; 7 percent had been sexually assaulted; 5 percent had been victims of attempted rape; and 2 percent had been raped. Most of the perpetrators were known to the women. Alcohol was a factor in most of the incidents. Few of the victims reported what had happened to the police or campus authorities. The number and quality of policies and procedures for addressing sexual assault and rape on Virginia's campuses are insufficient and inadequate. Incident reporting must be improved, and educational programs should be centrally coordinated and monitored for effectiveness. This report offers recommendations on policies and procedures, physical security, information, incident reporting, judicial systems, educational programs, and treatment and support. 4 citations, 3 footnotes, and appended survey data