Examining the Relationship between Food Insecurity and Risk of Sexual Violence Among College Students

Background: College students are at an increased risk of experiencing gender-based violence (GBV) and are victimized at a high rate. College students are also at an increased risk of experiencing food insecurity, with many campuses reporting food insecurity prevalence around four times the national average. Because students are at a higher risk of experiencing these social justice issues; challenges that can be intensified in the insulated environment of college. It is necessary to begin to understand how different social justice issues like food insecurity and GBV impact students; and intersect with each other. The current study sought to explore the relationship between unique risks of sexual violence, including food insecurity.

Methods: This study is a secondary data analysis using data collected from a larger longitudinal campus-wide project. This project took a cohort study approach to understand the behavioral and psychological health of undergraduate students at a Mid-Atlantic university. Students were provided a $10 incentive for participation. Students were asked questions about experiencing food insecurity, their mental well-being, substance use, and whether they had experienced sexual violence in the last 12 months.

Results: Results of a correlation analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between sexual violence, food insecurity, mental well-being, and substance use. A regression analysis demonstrated that all predictor variables were significant predictors of sexual violence: negative mental well-being, β = .814, t(179) = 6.221, p < .001; how often someone drinks, β = .995, t(157) = 5.209, p < .001 ;number of drinks, β=.996, t(145)=4.867, p<.001; experiencing depression β=.771, t(179)=6.115, p<.001; depression diagnosis β=-.832, t(179)=-8.395, p<.001; and suicidal ideation β=.471, t(179)=4.504, p<.001. Food insecurity was also a significant predictor of sexual violence, β=-.526, t(179)=-4.687, p<.001. In addition, food insecurity had a significant interaction effect with mental well-being, drinking frequency, drinking amount, experiencing and being diagnosed with depression, and suicidal ideation, in predicting whether a student experiences sexual violence.

Discussion: The current study established a significant relationship between food insecurity, sexual violence, mental well-being, substance use, depression, and suicidal ideation. The negative mental health effects of food insecurity have demonstrated the potential to increase the risk of sexual violence. The direct relationship between food insecurity and sexual violence can be more challenging to explain. Students experiencing food insecurity may be more vulnerable to coercion for food. Food insecurity may also lead people to choose professions that make them more vulnerable to victimization (i.e. sex work; this statement is not demonizing sex work but rather pointing out that predators may target sex workers). Because food insecure students face stigma and shame, they may not have many relationships. And when presented with an opportunity to have a relationship with someone, is willing to accept toxic behavior that may include coercion and non-consensual sexual activity. Universities contribute to the higher prevalence of food insecurity and sexual violence by not addressing the role of institutional factors in the prevalence of both of these issues.