University of Alaska Students’ Disclosures of Sexual and Victimizations

Item Type Article

Authors Myrstol, Brad A.; Blumenstein, Lindsey

Citation Myrstol, Brad A.; & Blumenstein, Lindsey. (2016). "University of Alaska Students’ Disclosures of Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Assault Victimizations." Alaska Justice Forum 33(1): 1, 11–16 (Spring 2016).

Publisher Justice Center, University of Alaska Anchorage

Download date 24/09/2021 21:59:05

Link to Item http://hdl.handle.net/11122/7020 ALASKA JUSTICE FORUM

A PUBLICATION OF THE JUSTICE CENTER

Spring 2016 UNIVERSITY of ALASKA ANCHORAGE Vol. 33, No. 1

University of Alaska Students’ Disclosures of Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Assault Victimizations Brad A. Myrstol and Lindsey Blumenstein to disclose their victimization to others, with 2015, has someone attempted or succeeded In a recent Alaska Justice Statistical whom did they share their experiences? (3) in having nonconsensual or unwanted sexual Analysis Center (AJSAC) Fact Sheet issue Did the likelihood of dis- contact with you under any circumstances (available at www.uaa.alaska.edu/ajsac) we closure vary signifi cantly according to UA (on or off campus), or do you suspect some- published initial fi ndings from the University students’ demographic characteristics (age, one did?” of Alaska Campus Climate Survey, a re- race/ethnicity, sex/gender)? Every survey respondent was provided search study funded by the U.S. Department This article uses the data collected for the following examples of sexual assault: of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics. The the University of Alaska Campus Climate with a fi nger or object University of Alaska Campus Climate Sur- Survey to explore how often UA students (someone putting their fi nger or an object vey was designed to establish the prevalence who experienced sexual violence, either on in the or anus); (someone’s of sexual misconduct and sexual assault or off campus, disclosed their victimiza- mouth or tongue making contact with committed against University of Alaska tions to others. (Sexual violence is defi ned genitals); (someone’s penis being (UA) students both on and off campus. as sexual misconduct, sexual assault, or put into an anus); and The estimates of sexual misconduct and both.) (someone’s penis being put into a vagina). sexual assault published in the Fact Sheet were based on the self-reported experiences Survey Defi nitions of Disclosure and Reporting of of 1,982 randomly selected undergradu- Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Assault Sexual Violence Victimization ate and graduate students enrolled at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), Sexual misconduct refers to unwanted, This article makes use of two terms to the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), uninvited, or coerced touching of a sexual discuss sexual violence victims’ efforts to and the University of Alaska Southeast nature, or unwanted or uninvited sexual make their victimizations known to others: (UAS) during spring semester 2016. Results commentary. Survey respondents were disclose and report. These two terms are showed that approximately 1 out of every 9 asked, “Since January 2015, has someone distinguished by the recipient of the infor- UA students experienced sexual misconduct, attempted or succeeded in having unwanted, mation. Disclosure includes all the victims’ sexual assault, or both between January uninvited, or coerced touching of a sexual discussions with others, but reports only 2015 and spring semester 2016, either on nature or unwanted/uninvited sexual com- includes the victims’ discussions with offi - or off campus. mentary with you under any circumstances cials such as university or law enforcement Using data from the University of Alaska (on or off campus), or do you suspect some- representatives. Campus Climate Survey, this article seeks to one did?” answer three basic questions: (1) How often Every survey respondent was provided Nondisclosure of did UA students who experienced sexual the following examples of sexual miscon- Sexual Violence Victimization violence between January 2015 and spring duct: kissing without permission; forced semester 2016, either on or off campus, kissing; touching of body or private parts in Within the realm of criminal offenses, disclose their victimization to others? (2) a sexual way without permission; grabbing, sexual violence is among the most un- For those UA students who did experience fondling, or rubbing up against a person in derreported. Table 1 (page 11) presents sexual violence victimization and who chose a sexual way (even if over clothing); taking findings from the 2014 National Crime a sexual experience further than wanted Victimization Survey (an annual nationwide INSIDE THIS ISSUE even if consent was given for minor sexual survey conducted by the U.S. Department of contact such as kissing or touching, without Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics), which • A summary of the provisions of Senate Bill it leading to intercourse; and, lewd or blatant asks crime victims if they reported their 91: Omnibus Criminal Law & Procedure; Corrections, which was signed into law in sexual comments that make a person feel victimization to police. Overall, less than July (page 2). uncomfortable, uneasy, or unsafe. half (46.0%) of all violent crime incidents Sexual assault refers to nonconsensual or were reported to police. Among the violent • Findings from a survey of Anchorage adults unwanted sexual contact with penetration, crimes examined, sexual assault/ on perceptions of youth marijuana use even if consent was given for minor sexual victimizations were the least likely to be and youth non-medical use of prescription contact such as kissing or touching. Survey drugs (page 5). respondents were asked, “Since January Please see UA students, page 11 Alaska Justice Forum 33(1), Spring 2016 11 about youth marijuana and its conse- substance use and abuse as a problem, they doing. Families with youth could gain from quences. Parents and other adults expressed are unlikely to promote or become involved information on how to keep conversations greater concern about youth prescription in community programs or services designed going when youth begin to spend more time drug abuse and its consequences than about to prevent or combat the problem. Substance outside the home and with friends than at youth marijuana abuse. use prevention programs and services should home with parents. It is especially important CDC data show that from 2009 to 2015 be multifaceted and include youth, adults, to provide parents with specifi c guidance in Alaska, youth alcohol use has declined schools, and families. Adults in Anchorage on how to talk with youth about the “tough substantially, youth marijuana use has could benefi t from information on how to stuff,” including substance use and abuse declined slightly, and prescription drug reduce youth access to substances including and other risk behaviors such as dating use has remained stable. Nonetheless, very alcohol, marijuana, and prescription drugs. violence, sexual behavior, driving while real risks of harm remain for those youth Parents and other adults who interact with texting, or driving after drinking, Parents who abuse these substances. The concern youth could also benefi t from resources to and other adults are highly infl uential in the of parents and other adults in Anchorage use when they sense that there is a problem. decisions youth make and must be part of suggests that they may be particularly ready Parents especially could be helped by solutions to problems experienced by youth to be part of solutions designed to prevent having information on effective techniques in Anchorage and the rest of Alaska. youth substance abuse and its harmful for monitoring youth and young adults, consequences. The community readiness— including communicating with youth about Marny Rivera is an associate professor of parents and other adults—is important where they are when they are away from in the Justice Center. Cory R. Lepage is an because if they do not perceive youth home, who they are with, and what they are assistant professor in the Justice Center.

UA students college/university offi cials also means that (continued from page 1) victims may not be able to access on-campus Table 1. Percent of Victimizations victim advocacy, medical, counseling, and Reported to Police, by Type of reported to police—only about one-third other support services; receive referrals to Offense, 2014 (33.6%) of these types of victimizations additional off-campus resources; or seek Percent of were reported. As seen in Table 1, the administrative remedies or other forms of victimizations percentage of sexual assault/rape victimiza- redress provided for in college/university Type of offense reported to police tions reported to law enforcement is much policy. Finally, in the aggregate, high rates lower than for other violent crimes, as well of nondisclosure may have the unintended Violent crime 46.0 % as for most other property crimes with the effect of encouraging an overreliance on of- Sexual assault/rape 33.6 exception of theft. fi cial sources of data (e.g., Clery Act and/or Robbery 60.9 Reporting to police or other authorities Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, Assault 44.6 occurs even less frequently when sexual see page 12) to (1) estimate the prevalence Simple assault 40.0 violence victims are college/university of sexual violence among students, and (2) Aggravated assault 58.4 students. A recent national study of sexual to gauge the level of resources needed to 56.1 violence committed against U.S. college/ develop robust prevention, intervention, and Intimate partner violence 57.9 university students led by Bonnie Fisher restoration programming. Property crime 37.0 % of the University of Cincinnati School of Burglary 60.0 Criminal Justice found that only 2 percent UA Students’ Sexual Misconduct and Motor vehicle theft 83.3 of sexual violence victims reported their Sexual Assault Victimization Disclosures Theft 29.0 victimization to campus or other police, and Source: Reproduced from: J.L. Truman & just 4 percent reported their victimization to Within the framework of the University L. Langton, (2015). "Criminal Victimization, 2014" any college/university offi cials at all (includ- of Alaska Campus Climate Survey, UA stu- (NCJ 248973), U.S. Department of Justice, ing campus police). dents who indicated one or more sexual mis- Bureau of Justice Statistics, http://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/cv14.pdf While it is imperative for researchers, conduct and/or sexual assault victimizations, university offi cials, criminal justice profes- either on or off campus, between January sionals, and victim service providers to 2015 and spring semester 2016 were asked organization. This was a multiple-response always respect a victim’s choice to not dis- additional follow-up questions. Among the question, so survey participants could select close their victimization to others, it is also follow-up questions presented to UA student any that applied. Results to these questions important to recognize that nondisclosure respondents was one asking if they disclosed are presented in Table 2 (page 12). may produce unintended negative conse- their victimization experiences to anyone, In Table 2 are shown the specifi c percent- quences. Nondisclosure to police rules out and to whom they did (if they reported dis- ages of UA students who experienced sexual the possibility that the person responsible closure). Specifi cally, students were asked if misconduct, either on- or off-campus, and for the sexual violence victimization—the they disclosed their sexual misconduct and/ who disclosed to a friend (not roommate), offender—will be arrested or prosecuted. or sexual assault victimizations to: a room- a romantic partner, a roommate, a parent/ Nondisclosure of sexual violence victim- mate, a close friend (other than roommate), guardian, some other family member, a ization may prevent victims from learning a romantic partner, a parent or guardian, a counselor, university faculty/staff, residence about or receiving benefi cial services and family member (other than parent or guard- hall staff, a coworker, police, a campus social supports. Nondisclosure means that ian), a counselor, a sexual assault advocate, or other persons/ victims cannot apply for or receive crime advocate, a university faculty or staff mem- organizations. Students were most likely to victim compensation funds to which they ber, residential hall staff, police (university/ may be entitled. The choice to not disclose to college or other), or some other individual or Please see UA students, page 12 12 Alaska Justice Forum 33(1), Spring 2016

Students who expe- UA students Table 2. Percentage of Sexual Misconduct and Sexual (continued from page 11) rienced sexual miscon- duct in the preceding Assault Victims that Disclosed to Others, by disclose sexual misconduct victimization year were more likely Individual/Organization Type to either a friend (45.3%) or a romantic to disclose than stu- % sexual % sexual assault partner (25.2%). It was much less likely dents who experienced misconduct victims victims that for students who experienced sexual mis- one or more sexual as- Individual/organization that disclosed to: disclosed to: conduct victimization to disclose to other sault victimizations. Friend (not roommate) 45.3 % 28.0 % intimates such as parents/guardians (6.4%), Slightly more than two Romantic partner 25.2 14.1 other family members (6.5%), or roommates thirds (68.3%) of UA Roommate 6.4 11.2 (6.4%). With the exception of university fac- students who expe- Parent/guardian 6.4 9.5 ulty/staff (6.7%), students who experienced rienced one or more Other family member 6.5 4.4 sexual misconduct were even less likely to sexual misconduct vic- Counselor 2.9 3.3 disclose victimization through more formal timizations (alone, or in Faculty/staff 6.7 0.4 help-seeking channels such as campus combination with one Residence hall staff 0.5 1.1 sexual assault advocates (0.5%), residence or more sexual assaults) Coworker 0.2 <0.1 hall staff (0.5%), counselors (2.9%), or disclosed their experi- Police 3.1 <0.1 police (3.1%). An estimated 3.6 percent ence to someone. In Campus SA advocate 0.5 0.4 of UA students who experienced sexual contrast, less than half Other person/organization 3.6 <0.1 misconduct victimization disclosed their (48.0%) of UA students ANY disclosure 68.3 % 48.0 % experience to other persons/organizations. who experienced one Note: Percentages do not total to 100.0% because survey participants could Finally, it was extremely rare that UA stu- or more sexual assault select multiple individuals/ organizations to whom they disclosed sexual dents who experienced sexual misconduct victimizations (alone, misconduct and/or sexual assault experiences. victimizations disclosed their experience to or in combination with Source of data: Blumenstein & Myrstol, University of Alaska Campus Climate Survey (2016). coworkers (0.2%). one or more incidents

Clery Act

The Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990 was available to the public. passed in large part due to the efforts of Connie and Howard Clery As outlined in the U.S. Department of Education Handbook and applies to all colleges and universities that receive federal for Campus Safety and Security Reporting, statistics for specifi c funding. The act was renamed the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of types of crimes occurring in specifi c locations must be collected Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act in 1998 and reported. The crimes falling under the Clery Act requirements in memory of their daughter, and is usually referred to as the Clery for reporting by the institution include three general categories: Act. Jeanne Clery was a 19-year old freshman student who was (1) criminal offenses – based on UCR defi nitions (see “Uniform raped and murdered in her Lehigh University dorm room in 1986 Crime Reporting (UCR) Program,” below), (2) hate crimes, and by another Lehigh student. (3) arrests and referrals for disciplinary action—weapons, drug The Clerys believed that better campus security policies and and liquor law violations. procedures and reporting of campus crime could have helped Crimes occurring at the following locations fall under the prevent the death of their daughter. They lobbied in Washington Clery Act requirements for reporting by the institution: “(1) on D.C. for mandatory provisions for colleges and universities na- campus, (2) on public property within or immediately adjacent to tionwide to implement campus security measures, campus alert the campus, and (3) in or on noncampus buildings or property that procedures, and to collect and report data on campus crime. The [the] institution owns or controls.” Clery Act took effect in 1991. For more detailed information on Clery Act requirements see The Clery Act was later amended in 1992, 1998, and 2000, and the following: most recently by the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) in 2008. Colleges and universities are required to have in place The Handbook for Campus Safety and Security Reporting campus security policies and procedures, including crime reporting (2011), U.S. Department of Education (http://www2.ed.gov/ procedures, an emergency alert system, and processes for collect- admins/lead/safety/campus.html#handbook). ing and reporting of crime statistics by the institution annually to U.S. Department of Education, Campus Security website (http:// the U.S. Department of Education. These reports must be made www2.ed.gov/admins/lead/safety/campus.html).

Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program

The Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program collects and nonnegligent manslaughter (homicide), forcible rape, robbery, monthly information from more than 18,000 city, university and and aggravated assault—and four property crimes—burglary, college, county, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement agencies larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. In 2012, UCR data that voluntarily report data on crimes reported to them. Data is was reported by law enforcement agencies representing 98.1 collected, disseminated, and archived by the FBI. percent of the total U.S. population. The UCR records data for eight serious crimes (called Part I offenses) and more than twenty less serious offenses (called Part Excerpted from Alaska Justice Statistical Analysis Center II offenses). Part I offenses include four violent crimes—murder (AJSAC) Fact Sheets. Alaska Justice Forum 33(1), Spring 2016 13 of sexual misconduct) disclosed their experi- violence disclosure in a very specifi c way. ences to anyone. Members of a single age group—UA stu- Table 3. Student Age Distribution of Like victims of sexual misconduct, UA dents between the ages of 35 and 44—were Respondents: University of Alaska students who experienced sexual assault least likely to disclose sexual violence Campus Climate Survey victimization, either on or off campus, were victimization to others (see Figure 1). most likely to disclose their experiences to Fewer than 1 out of every 5 (18.4%) sexual Survey sample either a friend (28.0%) or a romantic part- violence victims in this age group disclosed Age category Number Percentage ner (14.1%). However, UA students who to any individual or organization. UA stu- 18 to 24 years 888 44.8 % experienced sexual assault victimization dents between the ages of 55 and 64 had the 25 to 34 years 624 31.5 were slightly more likely than victims of second lowest sexual violence disclosure 35 to 44 years 220 11.1 sexual misconduct to disclose to a room- rate (37.7%), followed by 18–24 year olds 45 to 54 years 136 6.9 mate (11.2%) or a parent/guardian (9.5%). (65.8%), 45–54 year olds (71.7%), and 55 to 64 years 73 3.7 An estimated 4.4 percent of sexual assault fi nally 25–34 year olds (76.9%). Among 65 years and older 28 1.4 victims disclosed to family members other all of the differences in disclosure rates that Missing/unknown 13 0.6 were observed, only three were statistically than parents/guardians. Disclosure of sexual Total 1,982 100.0 % assault victimization to other individuals and signifi cant. UA students between the ages organizations was exceedingly infrequent. of 35 and 44 were signifi cantly less likely Average age 29.4 years An estimated 3.3 percent of UA students to disclose sexual violence victimization Source of data: Blumenstein & Myrstol, University who were sexually assaulted disclosed than students between the ages of 18 and of Alaska Campus Climate Survey (2016). to a counselor; an estimated 1.1 percent 24, students between the ages of 25 and 34, disclosed to residence hall staff; and only and students between the ages of 45 and 54. 10.7 percent indicated membership in two 0.4 percent disclosed to a campus sexual Race/Ethnicity or more racial/ethnic communities. Slightly assault advocate. None of the students who more than 2 percent of respondents did not participated in the survey, and who were The University of Alaska Campus Cli- report a racial or ethnic identity (see Table sexually assaulted, reported any disclosures mate Survey measured respondent race/ 4, page 14). to police, coworkers, or other individuals/ ethnicity with a set of multiple-response In Table 4 is presented the racial/ethnic organizations. While we know that incidents items that allowed respondents to record all distribution of the University of Alaska of sexual assault are disclosed to police, of their racial/ethnic group memberships. Campus Climate Survey sample. Nearly 7 coworkers, and other individuals/organiza- Approximately 87 percent of survey par- out of every 10 participants (69.2%) identi- tions, such disclosures occur so rarely that ticipants reported one and only one racial/ none of the UA students who participated in ethnic group membership. An additional Please see UA students, page 14 the survey reported any.

Demographic Factors Figure 1. Percent of University of Alaska Sexual Misconduct and/or Related to Disclosure Sexual Assault Student Victims who Disclosed Past-Year Victimization to Others, by Student Agea Research shows that sexual violence vic- tim demographics infl uence the likelihood 100% of sexual violence disclosure. In this article, 76.9% we examine the impact three demographic 80% 71.7% characteristics have on UA students’ dis- 65.8% closures of sexual violence victimization: 60% student age, student race/ethnicity, and student sex/gender. 37.7% 40%

Age 18.4% 20% Student age was measured using a single

self-report item in the University of Alaska anyone to disclosed Percent Campus Climate Survey. Respondents were 0% asked, “What is your age?” (Note: The sur- 18 to 24 25 to 34 35 to 44 45 to 54 55 to 64 vey was limited to UA students age 18 years Age of age and older.) Table 3 presents the age a. Due to small sub-sample size, sexual misconduct and/or sexual assault disclosure rates could not distribution for the analysis sample. Less be estimated for students ages 65 and over. b. Observed difference in rates of sexual misconduct and/or sexual assault victimization disclosure than half (44.8%) of survey participants for students 35 to 44 years of age and students 55 to 64 years of age was not statistically were between the ages of 18 and 24; slightly significant (F=0.38; p=.540). Observed difference in rates of sexual misconduct and/or sexual less than one-third (31.5%) were between assault victimization disclosure for students 35 to 44 years of age and students 18 to 24 years of the ages of 25 and 34 years of age. The age was statistically significant (F=12.51; p=.000). Observed difference in rates of sexual remainder of the sample—nearly 1 out of misconduct and/or sexual assault victimization disclosure for students 35 to 44 years of age and every 4 survey respondents—was at least 35 students 25 to 34 years of age was statistically significant (F=17.39; p=.000). Observed difference in rates of sexual misconduct and/or sexual assault victimization disclosure for years old. The average age of UA students students 35 to 44 years of age and students 45 to 54 years of age was statistically significant who participated in the University of Alaska (F=4.08; p=.045). Campus Climate Survey was 29.4 years old. Source of data: Blumenstein & Myrstol, Our analysis revealed that UA student University of Alaska Campus Climate Survey (2016). age was related to the likelihood of sexual 14 Alaska Justice Forum 33(1), Spring 2016

UA students (continued from page 13) Figure 2. Percent of University of Alaska Sexual Misconduct and/or Sexual Assault Student Victims Who Disclosed Past-Year fi ed as White (only). The second largest Victimization to Others, by Student Race/Ethnicitya single-race/single-ethnicity group in the sample was Alaska Native/American Indian 100% (only) (6.2%). Just under 5 percent of the sample identifi ed as Asian (only); approxi- 80% 75.1% 74.7% mately 2 percent identifi ed as either African 65.3% 66.9% American/Black (only) or Hispanic/Latino/a 60% (only); and less than 1 percent identifi ed as Native Hawaiian or Other Pacifi c Islander 40% (only). Two percent of the sample identifi ed 28.5% as members of some other racial or ethnic 20% group (only). In excess of 10 percent of the sample reported membership in two or others to disclosed Percent more racial and/or ethnic groups. Finally, 2.4 0% African American/ Asian (only) White (only) Alaska Native/ Multiracial percent of the sample did not report a racial Black (only) American Indian (only) or ethnic identity. Results of our race/ethnicity analysis a. Due to small sub-sample sizes, sexual misconduct and/or sexual assault disclosure rates could not be estimated for students whose self-reported racial/ethnic identities were: Native Hawaiian or are presented in Figure 2. Due to small other Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino/a, and Other race/ethnicity. sub-sample sizes, data are not presented for b. Observed difference in rates of sexual misconduct and/or sexual assault victimization disclosure Native Hawaiian or Other Pacifi c Islander, for African American/Black (only) and Asian (only) students was not statistically significant Hispanic/Latino/a students, or students (F=2.43; p=.121). Observed difference in rates of sexual misconduct and/or sexual assault who reported their racial/ethnic identities victimization disclosure for African American/Black and White students was statistically as Other. significant (F=4.97; p=.027). Observed difference in rates of sexual misconduct and/or sexual assault victimization disclosure for African American/Black and Alaska Native/American Indian As can be seen in Figure 2, the sexual students was statistically significant (F=4.36; p=.038). Observed difference in rates of sexual violence victimization disclosure rate for misconduct and/or sexual assault victimization disclosure for African American/Black and one group—UA students who identifi ed as multiracial students was statistically significant (F=5.60; p=.019). African American/Black (only)—stood out Source of data: Blumenstein & Myrstol, from the other racial/ethnic groups. Just University of Alaska Campus Climate Survey (2016). over a quarter of African American/Black students who experienced sexual violence higher percentages—roughly three-quar- are limited to two categories—female and disclosed their victimizations to others. ters—of Alaska Native/American Indian male), the analysis that follows is restricted In contrast, approximately two-thirds of (only) and multi-racial/multi-ethnic students to only those respondents who self-identifi ed Asian (only) and White (only) students who who experienced sexual violence disclosed as female or male. (Note: As shown in Table experienced sexual violence disclosed their their victimizations to others. Three of the 5, 96.7 percent of sample members identifi ed victimizations to one or more parties. Even observed disclosure rate differences were as female or male; 1.4 percent of sample statistically signifi cant. Afri- members identifi ed as transgender female, can American/Black (only) transgender male, gender queer/gender non- Table 4. Self-Reported Racial/Ethnic Group students were significantly conforming, or some other gender identity; Identity of Respondents: University of Alaska less likely to disclose sexual and 1.9 percent of sample members did not Campus Climate Survey violence victimization than report a gender identity.) Race/ethnicity NumberPercentage Alaska Native/American In- The results of our sex/gender analysis dian (only) students, White are presented in Figure 3. Overall, female One race/ethnicity Alaska Native/American Indian (only) 122 6.2 % (only) students, and multi- victims of sexual violence were much more Asian (only) 96 4.8 racial/ multi-ethnic students. likely than male victims of sexual violence to disclose their victimization. An estimated African American/Black (only) 38 1.9 Sex/Gender Native Hawaiian or 17 0.9 Other Pacific Islander (only) The University of Alaska Table 5. Student Sex/Gender Hispanic/Latino/a (only) 37 1.9 Campus Climate Survey mea- Distribution of Respondents: White (only) 1,372 69.2 sured sex/gender with a single University of Alaska Campus item. Respondents were asked, Other (only) 40 2.0 Climate Survey Two or more races/ethnicities “What is your current gender Multi-racial/multi-ethnic 213 10.7 % identity?” Response catego- Survey sample Missing/unknown 47 2.4 ries included female, male, Sex/gender Number Percentage transgender female, trans- Total 1,982 100.0 % gender male, gender queer/ Female 1,060 53.5 % Note: A comparison with the UA sampling frame is not presented Male 857 43.2 because student race/ethnicity information was not included gender non-conforming, and other (specify). Because the All other 28 1.4 in the study’s sampling design, nor was it included in the Missing/unknown 37 1.9 UA sampling frame data. sampling protocol and weight- Source of data: Blumenstein & Myrstol, ing procedures used for the Total 1,982 100.0 % University of Alaska Campus Climate Survey (2016). survey relied upon UA sex/ Source of data: Blumenstein & Myrstol, University gender definitions (which of Alaska Campus Climate Survey (2016). Alaska Justice Forum 33(1), Spring 2016 15

data sources will provide an incomplete and Figure 3. Percent of University of Alaska Sexual Misconduct and/or inaccurate understanding of the array of Sexual Assault Student Victims Who Disclosed Past-Year services and other administrative remedies Victimization to Others, by Student Sex/Gender student victims of sexual violence require. In addition, from a programmatic devel- 100% opment standpoint, it is critical to understand that when students disclose sexual victim- 75.1% 80% ization, they are overwhelmingly more likely to disclose to their peers (i.e., friends, 60% 54.7% roommates, and romantic partners) and not to campus authorities, counselors, or ad- 40% vocates. This fi nding is essential, in that it can inform the creation and development of 20% sexual violence prevention and intervention

Percent disclosed to others to disclosed Percent education and services. More specifi cally, 0% this fi nding indicates there is a critical need Female Male for peer-centered prevention and interven-

Note: Observed difference in rates of sexual misconduct and/or sexual assault victimization tion techniques. Examples might include disclosure for female and male students was statistically significant (F=4.81; p=.029). peer educators, hotlines run by peers, and Source of data: Blumenstein & Myrstol, even bystander intervention techniques that University of Alaska Campus Climate Survey (2016). are specifi c to helping students understand how and what to do once a peer discloses 75.1 percent of female UA students who unlikely to share what happened to them a sexual victimization to them. If students experienced one or more instances of sexual with university representatives or other au- are more comfortable disclosing to peers, violence disclosed their victimization. In thorities—particularly campus police, other providing options for peer assistance for contrast, an estimated 54.7 percent of male law enforcement offi cials, or campus sexual victims could be an important tool in socio- UA students who experienced one or more assault advocates. emotional support services for students. instances of sexual violence disclosed their Both of these caveats are important for This study also shows that the demo- victimization. This observed difference was the development and advancement of uni- graphic characteristics of UA student victims statistically signifi cant. versity policies, procedures, and programs of sexual violence are associated with the for addressing sexual violence victimization likelihood of sexual violence victimization Discussion among students. With respect to the former, disclosure. Statistically signifi cant relation- Using data from the University of Alaska it is important for university representa- ships were discovered for each of the three Campus Climate Survey, this article sought tives—administration, staff, faculty, and demographic variables examined: age, to answer three basic questions: (1) How of- other employees—to understand that the race/ethnicity, and sex/gender. Importantly, ten did UA students who experienced sexual most egregious and damaging forms of however, the relationships are quite specifi c violence between January 2015 and spring sexual violence are the least likely to be and nuanced. semester 2016, either on or off campus, disclosed to anyone. For example, while student age is re- disclose their victimization to others? (2) The low likelihood of a student disclosing lated to the likelihood of sexual violence For those UA students who did experience victimization to a university representative victimization disclosure, the relationship sexual violence victimization and who chose or authority is particularly salient because is not linear. Rather than the likelihood of to disclose their victimization to others, with it highlights the extent to which sexual sexual violence victimization disclosure whom did they share their experiences? (3) violence committed against UA students simply increasing or decreasing in a linear Did the likelihood of sexual violence dis- (both on and off campus) is underreported to fashion with age, our fi ndings revealed that closure vary signifi cantly according to UA authorities. This gap between actual preva- UA students between the ages of 35 and 44 students’ demographic characteristics (age, lence and estimated prevalence is commonly are signifi cantly less likely to disclose sexual race/ethnicity, sex/gender)? referred to as the “dark fi gure” of crime, and violence victimization than student victims Our analyses indicate that a majority this gap exists irrespective of the source of in other age groups. Only 18.4 percent of UA (66.7%) of UA students who experience data or particular measures used. However, students between the ages of 35 and 44 who one or more sexual violence victimizations, the dark fi gure of crime tends to be more experienced sexual violence disclosed to either on or off campus, will disclose their pronounced when estimates are derived from anyone. In contrast, 65.8 percent of students victimization to someone. However, this offi cial data sources, and is especially pro- between the ages of 18 and 24, 76.9 percent fi nding comes with two important caveats. nounced when it comes to sexual violence. of students between the ages of 25 and 34, The fi rst of these is that the likelihood of The low rates of sexual violence victimiza- 71.7 percent of students between the ages sexual violence victimization disclosure tion disclosure presented in this article high- of 45 and 54, and 37.7 percent of students is heavily dependent on the type of sexual light the danger of relying on offi cial data between the ages of 55 and 64 disclosed their violence victimization that UA students ex- sources to establish the prevalence of sexual sexual violence victimization to someone. perience. Students who experience sexual violence victimization among UA students, The relationship between student racial/ misconduct victimization are more likely as well as to identify the specifi c program- ethnic identity and the likelihood of sexual to disclose to someone than students who matic needs of sexual violence victims. Put violence victimization disclosure was simi- experience sexual assault victimization. simply, reliance on offi cial data sources will larly nuanced. Our analyses did not uncover The second caveat is that regardless of dramatically underestimate how often sexual a simple White–non-White contrast, nor was the type of sexual violence victimization misconduct and sexual assault is committed a UA student experiences, they are highly against UA students, and reliance on offi cial Please see UA students, page 16 16 Alaska Justice Forum 33(1), Spring 2016

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UA students and victim services, especially for African infl uenced by age, race, and gender. Efforts (continued from page 15) American/Black students, are accessible. to enhance victim services need to account Lastly, it appears that older students are less for both of these fi ndings. there a discernable gradation in disclosure likely to disclose sexual victimization. Tar- likelihood among differing racial/ethnic geted efforts to reach nontraditional students Brad A. Myrstol is a faculty member in groups. Instead, we found that UA students may include increasing students’ awareness the Justice Center and director of the Alaska who self-identifi ed as African American/ and knowledge of resources and support. Justice Statistical Analysis Center. Lindsey Black (only) were much less likely to dis- In conclusion, our fi ndings show that it Blumenstein is a faculty member in the close sexual violence victimization than is highly unlikely that college/university Justice Center. students who self-identifi ed as members of students who experience sexual violence other racial/ethnic groups. victimization will disclose to university The most straightforward (and perhaps representatives, or seek assistance through the least surprising) fi nding was for sex/ other formal help-seeking channels. This is New Staff gender. Our analysis clearly shows that fe- fully consistent with research that has been male UA students who experienced sexual conducted at other colleges and universi- Elaine Main has joined the staff of the violence victimization are much more likely ties in the U.S. When they do share their Justice Center as Academic Program Spe- than their male counterparts to disclose their sexual violence victimization experiences cialist. Most recently, Ms. Main worked experiences to someone. Whereas three- with others, college/university students are for the University of Alaska Statewide Of- quarters of female students disclosed to at most likely to confi de in friends, romantic fi ce of the Vice President for Finance and least one individual or organization, only partners, or other family members. In addi- Administration in Fairbanks as Executive slightly more than half of male students tion, the likelihood of disclosure is highly Assistant to the Chief Financial Offi cer. did so. In order to be maximally effective, uni- versity efforts to improve sexual violence re- porting rates and access to victim resources New Look and Web Addresses for the need to be tailored to specifi c subgroups of students, most notably male students, Justice Center African American/Black students, and older students. It is unsurprising that male students The Justice Center, the Alaska Justice Statistical Analysis Center (AJSAC), and are signifi cantly less likely to disclose given the Alaska Justice Information Center (AJIC), have new web addresses and a new the social stigma attached to males and sex- look to their web pages as part of the new UAA website redesign. ual victimization. Targeted efforts may help Justice Center—www.uaa.alaska.edu/justice reduce the social stigma and encourage male Alaska Justice Statistical Analysis Center—www.uaa.alaska.edu/ajsac students to seek resources and assistance. It Alaska Justice Information Center—www.uaa.alaska.edu/ajic is important that culturally sensitive and ap- propriate prevention education, intervention,