Chancellor’s Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence Shares Student Survey Findings

The Chancellor’s Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence has reviewed and summarized the results of a student climate survey designed to gauge attitudes, awareness and experiences related to sexual and relationship violence. Conducted last April, this survey was designed specifically for students with the goal of adding breadth and depth to what was learned about these issues from the 2016 Climate Assessment Survey of students, faculty and staff.

From a random sample of nearly 2,000 students, a total of 482 students responded to last April’s survey (a response rate of 24.1 percent). While the survey results do not represent the entire student population, some themes emerged that will guide the work of the task force. The full results of the student climate survey can be accessed online by logging into MySlice.

“This effort aligns with New York State Enough Is Enough legislation requiring that the University conduct this type of survey every other year and create awareness about related University policies and resources,” says Rob Hradsky, senior associate vice president and co-chair of the Chancellor’s Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence. “The results of the survey will be used, along with other data, to guide our efforts as we continue to address sexual and relationship violence on campus.”

Key findings from the students who responded to the survey include the following:

• More than 70 percent said they knew where they could get help if they or a friend were sexually assaulted.
• About 67 percent said they had a general understanding of Syracuse University’s procedures for addressing sexual and relationship violence.
• Nearly 51 percent had a general understanding of the role of the University’s Title IX coordinator.
• Roughly 23 percent of participants reported having experienced sexual contact without their consent.
• About 26 percent reported that they had been affected by dating violence.

The survey focused on four key areas: sexual assault, stalking, dating violence and sexual harassment. Key takeaways relative to each focus area and the definitions of each area can be found in the report.

Opportunities for Involvement

Interested members of the campus community have several channels for getting involved in sexual and relationship violence prevention on campus. The Sexual and Relationship Violence Student Education and Prevention Team—composed of students, faculty and staff—focuses on prevention initiatives relating to awareness and campuswide event coordination, healthy masculinity efforts, trauma-informed care and prosocial bystander intervention.

Training opportunities are also available—including the Be Orange certification workshop and programming—by request from the Office of Health Promotion or the Office of Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services (EOIRS).

Students also may apply to become a peer educator through the Office of Health Promotion to encourage healthy relationships and sexuality; sign up for the Office of Health Promotion Volunteer Listserv; or join one of the many student organizations on campus involved in sexual and relationship violence prevention work, including It’s On Us SU, I Am That Girl, Students Advocating Sexual Safety and Empowerment and the Student Association.

Additional Resources and Support

For more information on resources and support for those affected by sexual or relationship violence, visit the Office of Health Promotion website and the Office of Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services website. For more information on the Chancellor’s Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence, including membership and information on the group’s charge, go to the task force website.