Everyday life information seeking: sex-based associations with where men and women receive information about sexual violence

Abstract

ABSTRACTSexual violence remains a critical health concern, especially on college campuses. Men and women are susceptible to victimization; however, there is little research that explores the places in which each sex acquires information about this topic. In this study, a model for everyday life information seeking is utilized to determine whether sex-based associations exist in the ways college students receive information about sexual violence. Barriers to reporting victimization for each sex are also explored. Undergraduate students (N = 285) completed an online survey about their everyday life information seeking experiences and perceived barriers to reporting victimization. Findings from this study suggest that sex is associated with coming across information serendipitously (non-direct monitoring) and through browsing (active scanning). Many women (47.2%) and men (57.0%) reported never having actively sought sexual assault information. Men who had actively sought information reported web search as a common method. This is alarming as previous research suggests that content is lacking and at times absent from university websites. Resources aimed at men are also uncommon. Notable associations exist between sex and the ways in which information is received about sexual violence. Exploring the contexts in which information is received highlights areas that health communication practitioners and scholars should disseminate information and engage students about sexual assault. In connecting with students where they are, we will increase the likelihood that they encounter content, potentially decreasing stigma and promoting the much needed, ongoing conversation about sexual assault for both sexes.