Sexual Assault Awareness Research: The Need for an Education and Prevention Program

The purpose of this study is to collect data via questionnaire from the Austin Peay State University student population to initiate change and improve campus services on sexual assault and violence. This study was approved by the APSU IRB. Sexual assault and violence cases are increasing on college and university campuses. With 20-25% of women experiencing rape or attempted rape, the need for education and prevention programs is extreme (Heldman & Dirks, 2014, p. 32). APSU is one campus among many in the state of Tennessee that currently does not have any sexual education or prevention programs. In March of 2014, the Campus SaVE Act was signed into law under the Violence Against Women Act that would require all higher education institutions to provide sexual education and prevention programs (White House, 2011).  

The research seeks to know if (1), the students are aware of the definition of rape, consent, stalking, sexual assault and violence, and partner violence; (2) if students are more likely to be involved in a sexual assault or violence case with the consumption of alcohol and/or other substance use; and (3) if the students are aware of prevention methods.

The researcher hypothesizes that: (1) students will not be educated on the correct definition of rape, consent, stalking, sexual assault and violence, and/or partner violence; (2) if the student is unaware of these definitions, the student will be more likely to end up in legal trouble and/or a victim of sexual assault; (3) the students will be more likely to engage in a sexual assault or violence act while under the influence; and (4) the majority of students are unfamiliar with prevention programs and how to utilize the bystander effect.

There were 542 participants that signed the inform consent form and agreed to participate. After 34 participants skipped questions and 18 participants chose not to complete the questionnaire, the total sample size was 490 participants (n=490). 283 participants were female (57.75%) and 207 were male (42.25%). The study was targeted toward the Freshman and Sophomore classes: 258 participants (52.65%) fell between the ages of 18-19, 200 participants (40.82%) fell between the ages of 20-22, 24 participants (4.90%) fell between the ages of 23-25, and lastly, 8 participants (1.63%) were 26 years or older.

After evaluation of the questionnaire the participants answered, it was found that 336 (68.57%) of the participants (184 male, 54.76%; 152 female, 45.24%) were unaware of the definitions of rape, consent, and sexual assault and violence. Likewise, regarding the hypothesis about experiencing sexual assault or violence while intoxicated, 409 participants (83.47%) (256 female, 62.59%, and 183 male, 37.41%) reported either being taken advantage of or taking advantage of someone else while impaired. Lastly, it was found that participants did not feel well educated on sexual assault and violence, were unaware of the prevention programs, and would be supportive of APSU sexual education course and ongoing prevention programs as well as a part of the department of social work curriculum.