Employees, Advisees, and Emerging Scholars: A Qualitative Analysis of Graduate Students' Roles and Experiences of Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment on College Campuses

Abstract

Sexual violence and sexual harassment (SVSH) are pervasive across university campuses. SVSH research rarely focuses on graduate students, who occupy unique positions within university settings due to their multiple responsibilities (e.g., teaching, research, mentoring), including managing unequal power dynamics with mentors and advisors. As part of a larger qualitative study, we sought to better understand SVSH generally and, when applicable, experiences of SVSH among graduate students on three campuses. Our primary research questions were: (a) How graduate students understand SVSH on their campus and whether they are at risk, (b) How graduate students navigate power dynamics that position them to experience SVSH, and (c) What graduate student-centered solutions and improvements can make campuses safer, more equitable spaces for all students. To answer these questions, we conducted 21 in-depth interviews and 8 focus group discussions with a diverse group of graduate students across various graduate programs. Using grounded theory and implementing student-centered approaches to data collection and analysis, we identified multiple themes, including graduate students’ uncertainty regarding SVSH on campus; and how power relations with faculty, combined with distrust of university processes, keep many graduate students silent about SVSH. Finally, employing graduate students’ suggestions, we offer recommendations for how universities can improve campus climate and SVSH resources for graduate students.

Understanding Sexual Aggression in UK Male University Students: An Empirical Assessment of Prevalence and Psychological Risk Factors

“…No analogous research has been conducted in the UK; however, the prevalence of self-reported sexual aggression is notably higher amongst our participants compared to non-university males in the community, where 7.3.% disclose a history of such behaviors (Krahé et al, 2014). This supports prior contentions (e.g., Bloom et al, 2021) that universities are a breeding ground for sexual aggression and emphasizes the critical need for better harm prevention initiatives on campuses, including more evidence-based psychological interventions for male students who are at risk of offending.…”

Understanding Sexual Aggression in UK Male University Students: An Empirical Assessment of Prevalence and Psychological Risk Factors

“…No analogous research has been conducted in the UK; however, the prevalence of self-reported sexual aggression is notably higher amongst our participants compared to non-university males in the community, where 7.3.% disclose a history of such behaviours (Krahé et al, 2014). This supports prior contentions (e.g., Bloom et al, 2021) that universities are a breeding ground for sexual aggression and emphasizes the critical need for better harmprevention initiatives on campuses, including more evidence-based psychological interventions for male students who are at risk of offending.…”

Health and Well-Being Consequences for Gender Violence Survivors from Isolating Gender Violence

“…This study identified this upstander position within the framework of the new alternative masculinities that has always taken a stand against gender-based violence by supporting the victims [29]. Gender violence is maintained in the context of university due to the relationships created by the structure of academia, where power hierarchies and abuse are present, besides the hostility against victims, the naturalization of violence and sexist stereotypes [26,30]. Suffering sexual harassment at university affects victims' productivity and educational performance because rejecting some teacher's proposals implies retaliation in qualifications [31].…”