College Students’ and Alumnus’ Knowledge and Perceptions of a Mandatory Online Sexual Assault Training

Abstract

The present study examines college students’ and alumnus’ perceptions of their online sexual assault training (Consent and Respect) administered by their midsized Midwestern public university. In-person semi-structured interviews were conducted with students and alumni (N = 34) regarding their perceptions and knowledge about the university’s training. Findings indicate that, although a majority of the sample acknowledged they participated in a training, participants could not recall two key topics covered in the program: (1) what to do if a sexual assault occurred and (2) what services were available to survivors of sexual violence. Overall, most respondents stated that the training was not beneficial to them. Participants recommended in-person trainings to connect with the information, ask questions, and receive better access to resources. Implications are discussed.

Keywords:

• Sexual assault
• sexual assault training
• student perceptions

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 During the 2016 fiscal year – the same year the present study was conducted – 20% of the Midwestern university’s enrollment was of minority decent (African American, Hispanic, Indian, Asian, and Pacific Islander). Female participants in the study made up 62% of the sample, mirroring the Midwestern University’s enrollment. In total, 56% of the student population identified as women.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Brittany L. Acquaviva

Brittany L. Acquaviva Ph.D., (she/her/hers) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology at Ball State University. Her research focuses on institutional (i.e., criminal-legal, university, and societal) responses to sexual victimization. Her most recent work appears or is forthcoming in Crime and Delinquency, Violence Against Women, Journal of Criminal Justice Education, American Journal of Criminal Justice, Applied Psychology in Criminal Justice, and Journal of Criminal Justice and Popular Culture. Acquaviva has also published two book chapters: “Punishing gender past and present: Examining the criminal justice system across gender experiences” and “Equal pay for women and minorities & sexual harassment in the system.” Finally, in 2021 she received the Ravens Scholar award for her high-achieving academic success.