Domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking are serious problems on campuses, as they are across the nation.
Unlike their counterparts in the larger community, students victimized by other students often face additional challenges in a “closed” campus environment. For example, a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking may continue to live in danger if the perpetrator resides in the same dormitory or attends the same classes.
On smaller campuses, a victim may wish to remain anonymous but may find this to be virtually impossible in such an insular environment. Similarly, stalking victims may find it difficult to escape their tormentors, because the stalker may have a seemingly “legitimate” reason for remaining in contact with or in proximity to the victim (e.g., studying in the library).
The fear and anguish suffered by rape victims may continue if they attend the same classes or live in the same dormitory as the perpetrator. In other cases, a victim may be harassed by classmates or by a perpetrator’s friends who claim the victim “asked for it” or “provoked” the crime. Even changing class schedules or living arrangements may not eliminate the threat of encountering the perpetrator on campus.
Survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking from diverse communities frequently confront additional challenges when seeking assistance.
Victims with disabilities may struggle with obstacles, such as shelters that cannot physically accommodate them. International students, or the spouses or partners of international students, may face linguistic or cultural barriers to obtaining services. Likewise, victims from racial, ethnic or religious minority groups may fear discrimination when they attempt to obtain services.