Graduate students’ knowledge and utilization of campus sexual violence and sexual harassment resources

Abstract

Graduate students are uniquely vulnerable to sexual violence and harassment (SVSH) and largely marginalized in campus-based prevention and response efforts. Objective: This study is a preliminary investigation of graduate students’ experiences with on-campus SVSH training and knowledge and utilization of SVSH resources. Methods: We conducted 21 in-depth interviews and 8 focus group discussions with 43 graduate students on three public university campuses in California. Results: Graduate students had limited knowledge of SVSH services, and mandatory SVSH training curricula was perceived to center around “responsible employee” duties rather than information about how to prevent or seek help for SVSH themselves. Graduate students had mixed experiences seeking SVSH-related assistance. Conclusions: Graduate students should be prioritized in SVSH prevention and education efforts beyond required responsible employee training. Graduate students are invaluable to the everyday success of universities; accounting for their vulnerabilities in SVSH prevention and response is vital for campus communities everywhere.