CAMPUS CLIMATE ON SEXUAL ASSAULT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

Abstract

Sexual assault is an issue that is growing drastically and a particularly pertinent issue on the university campus level. Statistics indicate that approximately one in five women will suffer from sexual assault during their college career. It has always been an important issue but even more so currently due to numerous universities being placed under scrutiny for their lack of support or compliancy for dealing with sexual assault. The Association of American Universities (AAU) Survey was conducted to gauge the campus climate of sexual assault specifically at the University of Arizona. Results indicate that sexual assault is a significant issue on campus, and certain groups are more affected than others. Student awareness of resources at the University of Arizona for sexual assault varied depending on the resource, but overall the survey shows that there needs to be a vast improvement in the accessibility of on-campus resources. In order to combat sexual violence on campus, the University of Arizona needs to hold perpetrators accountable, implement comprehensive primary prevention programming, and provide a plethora of resources readily available and accessible for survivors of sexual assault.