Work

Effects of Mandatory Sexual Misconduct Training on University Campuses

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: The authors explore whether mandatory, universal, in-person sexual misconduct training achieves its goals to build knowledge about sexual assault and harassment and increase intentions to report episodes of assault. The authors present results from three studies with quasi-experimental designs as well as interviews with students and staff members at a diverse public university in the western United States. The surprising finding is that participating in training makes women students less likely to say they that will report experiences of sexual assault to university authorities. The training produces some small positive effects: students gain broader definitions of sexual misconduct and are less likely to endorse common rape myths, and women students express less sexist attitudes immediately after training. This study raises questions about whether one-shot training helps reduce sexual violence and increase reporting on college campuses and whether universities should invest in these types of training.

Source: Socius Sociological Research for a Dynamic World

DOI: 10.1177/23780231221124574

Authors: Mala Htun, Francesca R. Jensenius, Melanie Sayuri Dominguez, Justine Tinkler, Carlos Contreras

Institutions: University of New Mexico, University of Oslo, University of Georgia

Language: English

Topic: Sexual Assault and Victimization Studies

Subfield: Gender Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Gender equality, Quality education, Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $700