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Lai J, Park E, Amabile CJ, Boyce SC, Fielding-Miller R, Swendeman D, Oaks L, Marvel D, Majnoonian A, Silverman J, Wagman J. "They Don't See Us": Asian Students' Perceptions of Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment on Three California Public University Campuses. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2024:8862605241235912. [PMID: 38470066 DOI: 10.1177/08862605241235912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Sexual violence and sexual harassment (SVSH) are prevalent among college and university students; however, the experiences of ethnic minority students, especially Asians, are understudied. This study aimed to reduce this gap by exploring Asian students' perceptions of SVSH on three public university campuses in Southern California. We examined their perceptions about the campus environment related to SVSH, attitudes, and behaviors toward help seeking, and utilization of on-campus resources. A total of 23 in-depth interviews were conducted with Asian students enrolled at the three University of California campuses. Thematic coding was conducted to generate main themes and subthemes. Five main themes emerged: (a) SVSH is considered a "taboo" topic in Asian culture and family systems, and Asian student survivors are often reluctant to disclose incidents or seek support services. (b) Students did not feel their campus environments were tailored to understand or meet the sociocultural realities and needs of Asian student survivors. (c) Campus SVSH services and reporting processes were seen as non-transparent. (d) Peers were the major source of support and SVSH information, as opposed to official campus-based resources and training. (e) Survivors often conduct an internal cost-benefit analysis evaluating their decision about whether to report. This study highlights the lack of conversation surrounding SVSH in Asian families, and how the cultural stigma of sex and sexual violence prevented Asian students from receiving knowledge and resources about these topics in their families. Instead of relying on formal campus resources (e.g., Title IX and confidential advocacy services, mental health services), many students turn to their peers for support. Thus, facilitating peer support groups, training university students to support each other through SVSH incidents, and tailoring campus services to the diverse cultural backgrounds of students are key considerations to foster a safe campus environment and prevent SVSH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Laury Oaks
- University of California Santa Barbara, USA
| | | | - Araz Majnoonian
- University of California San Diego, La Jolla, USA
- San Diego State University, CA, USA
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Kathan SC, Lai J, Wilf S, Imbroane M. Student Knowledge of University Confidential Resources and Title IX Training Effectiveness. Violence Against Women 2024:10778012231225234. [PMID: 38196204 DOI: 10.1177/10778012231225234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Though many universities offer resources to student survivors of sexual violence, student survivors who do not know about these resources cannot utilize their services. Students who are unaware of the confidentiality status of these services may seek assistance from an on-campus service without realizing the potential consequences. Under the theory of institutional betrayal, knowledge of confidential resources may prevent experiences of institutional betrayal for students who have experienced sexual violence. This research examines predictors of student knowledge regarding the confidentiality status of university resources for student survivors. Several variables were found to be associated with student knowledge of confidential on-campus resources. Implications for Title IX training and student resource availability are discussed, including the need for additional support for specific student populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jianchao Lai
- University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sara Wilf
- University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Marisa Imbroane
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Senn CY, Hobden KL, Eliasziw M, Barata PC, Radtke HL, McVey GL, Thurston WE. Testing the effectiveness of a sexual assault resistance programme in 'real-world' implementation. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2023; 14:2290859. [PMID: 38109360 PMCID: PMC10732193 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2023.2290859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: In a multi-site randomized controlled trial (RCT), the EAAA programme designed for first year university women (17-24 years old) was shown to reduce the likelihood of any (attempted and completed) rape in the next year by 50% (Senn, C. Y., Eliasziw, M., Barata, P. C., Thurston, W. E., Newby-Clark, I. R., Radtke, H. L., & Hobden, K. L. (2015). Efficacy of a sexual assault resistance program for university women. New England Journal of Medicine, 372(24), 2326-2335). Through a non-profit organization, EAAA has been available to universities globally since 2016 using a Train-the-Trainer model. Observations of the 'real world' implementation suggested that universities often altered eligibility criteria (especially year of study and age) in their recruitment.Objective: The current study (2017-2021) evaluated whether EAAA was effective when implemented by universities in Canada outside of the constraints of an RCT.Method: Five universities participated. Women students who signed up to take the EAAA programme on their campuses were recruited for the research. Participants completed surveys at 1-week pre-program and 1-week and 6-months post-programme. Compared to the RCT, participant eligibility was broader, the sample was more diverse in terms of race and sexual identity and had a higher proportion of survivors. Programme fidelity was adequate.Results: Comparisons in this quasi-experimental design, between students who took the programme and students in the control group (i.e. those who signed up but did not attend the programme), confirmed the effectiveness of the EAAA programme. Reduction of any rape exceeded the a priori benchmark of 37.5%. Completed rape was significantly reduced by 57.3% at 6-months. Reduction in attempted rape of 32.9% was lower than in the RCT likely due to the somewhat older (average age 22 vs 18) sample. Positive changes to previously established mediators of the programme effects were all replicated.Conclusions: These findings suggest that the EAAA is highly effective when implemented by universities even when eligibility for students in terms of year of study and age is broadened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlene Y. Senn
- Department of Psychology and Women’s and Gender Studies Program, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
| | - Karen L. Hobden
- Department of Psychology, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
| | - Misha Eliasziw
- Tufts University, School of Medicine, Public Health and Community Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paula C. Barata
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | | | - Gail L. McVey
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Klein LB, Brewer NQ, Cloy C, Lovern H, Bangen M, McLean K, Voth Schrag R, Wood L. Campus interpersonal violence survivor advocacy services. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2023:1-10. [PMID: 37167592 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2023.2209188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Although there has been increased attention to campus interpersonal violence, there is limited information on survivor advocacy services. Participants: We recruited participants from 155 U.S. institutions of higher education responsible for advocacy services on their campus. Methods: We used a community participatory action approach in partnership with the Campus Advocacy and Prevention Professionals Association to develop and disseminate a survey regarding campus advocacy services. Results: Participants shared critical insights about (a) advocacy staffing/caseload, (b) program structure, (c) advocacy practices, and (d) connection to services for people who had caused harm. We found that advocacy programs are often providing best practice services for survivors of violence but operating with few staff and unclear privacy protections. Conclusions: This study provided crucial preliminary information about how campuses provide advocacy services, but more researcher-practitioner engagement is needed to build on this study and establish clear practice guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- L B Klein
- Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Nathan Q Brewer
- Sexual Assault and Prevention Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cherita Cloy
- Independent Researcher, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Holly Lovern
- Violence Prevention and Advocacy Services, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Kiley McLean
- Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Rachel Voth Schrag
- School of Social Work, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, USA
| | - Leila Wood
- School of Nursing, University of Texas-Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
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Gepshtein Y, Burton CW. Victim-Centered Care Among College Women of Color: A Qualitative Study. JOURNAL OF FORENSIC NURSING 2023; 19:01263942-990000000-00038. [PMID: 37205616 DOI: 10.1097/jfn.0000000000000427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Women of color are disproportionally affected by intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual assault (SA), and those on college campuses may have additional risk factors. The purpose of this study was to explore how college-affiliated women of color assign meaning to their interaction with individuals, authorities, and organizations tasked to help survivors of SA and IPV. METHODS Semistructured focus group interviews ( N = 87) were transcribed and analyzed using Charmaz's constructivist grounded theory methodology. RESULTS Three priority theoretical elements were identified: what hurts , namely, distrust, uncertain outcomes, and silencing of experiences; what helps , namely, support, autonomy, and safety; and desired outcomes , namely, academic progress, supportive social networks, and self-care. CONCLUSION Participants were concerned about uncertain outcomes of their interaction with organizations and authorities that are set to help victims. Results can inform forensic nurses and other professionals about the care priorities and needs of college-affiliated women of color in the context of IPV and SA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana Gepshtein
- Author Affiliations: Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing, University of California Irvine
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Wagman JA, Amabile C, Sumstine S, Park E, Boyce S, Silverman J, Fielding-Miller R, Oaks L, Swendeman D. Student, Staff, and Faculty Perspectives on Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence on 3 Public University Campuses: Protocol for the UC Speaks Up Study and Preliminary Results. JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e31189. [PMID: 35380114 PMCID: PMC9019617 DOI: 10.2196/31189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intimate partner and sexual violence are pervasive public health issues on college and university campuses in the United States. Research is recommended for creating and maintaining effective, relevant, and acceptable prevention programs and response services for student survivors. OBJECTIVE The University of California (UC) Speaks Up study aims to examine factors contributing to intimate partner and sexual violence on 3 UC campuses and use the findings to develop and test interventions and policies to prevent violence, promote health, and lay the groundwork for subsequent large-scale quantitative research. METHODS A mixed methods study was conducted at UC Los Angeles, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Barbara. Phase I (2017-2020) involved a resource audit; cultural consensus modeling of students' perceptions of sexual consent; in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions with students to understand perceptions of campus environment related to experiences as well as prevention of and responses to violence; and IDIs with faculty, staff, and community stakeholders to investigate institutional and community arrangements influencing students' lives and experiences. Phase II (2020-ongoing) involves IDIs with student survivors to assess the use and perceptions of campus and community services. Qualitative content analysis is used to generate substantive codes and subthemes that emerge, using a thematic analysis approach. RESULTS In January 2019, we conducted 149 free-listing interviews and 214 web-based surveys with undergraduate and graduate and professional students for the cultural consensus modeling. Between February 2019 and June 2019, 179 IDIs were conducted with 86 (48%) undergraduate students, 21 (11.7%) graduate and professional students, 34 (19%) staff members, 27 (15.1%) faculty members, and 11 (6.1%) community stakeholders, and 35 focus group discussions (27/35, 77% with undergraduate students and 8/35, 23% with graduate and professional students) were conducted with 201 participants. Since September 2020, 50% (15/30) of the planned student survivor interviews have been conducted. This segment of data collection was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Recruitment is ongoing. CONCLUSIONS Data analysis and phase II data collection are ongoing. The findings will be used to develop and test interventions for preventing violence, promoting health and well-being, and ensuring that survivor services are relevant and acceptable to and meet the needs of all individuals in the campus community, including those who are typically understudied. The findings will also be used to prepare for rigorous, UC-system-wide public health prevention research. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/31189.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Wagman
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Claire Amabile
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Stephanie Sumstine
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Eunhee Park
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sabrina Boyce
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Jay Silverman
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Rebecca Fielding-Miller
- The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Laury Oaks
- Department of Feminist Studies, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Dallas Swendeman
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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