Campus & Community

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

Monday, November 11, 2024, By News Staff

Supporting the University’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness about, respond to and address sexual and relationship violence, the Chancellor’s Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence conducts the Sexual and Relationship Violence Survey, with the support of the Office of Institutional Research, every two years in alignment with New York State Enough is Enough legislation requirement.

The results help to gain a comprehensive understanding of responding students’ experiences related to and awareness of sexual assault, stalking, dating violence and sexual harassment.

“The results of the Sexual and Relationship Violence Survey provide important insights that inform and guide programs, services and awareness efforts in preventing, educating and responding to interpersonal violence. We appreciate the time students took to complete the survey as their feedback is critical to our collective work in continuing to foster a safe and supportive campus climate for all,” says task force co-chairs Sheriah Dixon, dean of students, and Kelly Chandler-Olcott, dean of the School of Education.

The survey administered in spring 2024 garnered a 22.7% response rate from a stratified random sample of nearly 6,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students. While this response rate was lower than the 2022 survey, the number of respondents was nearly the same because of the larger sample size in 2024. Students, faculty and staff can access the full results of the survey by logging into MySlice and selecting the Student Resources or Employee Resources tile, respectively.

Key findings and takeaways from the students who responded to the 2024 survey include the following:

  • Nearly 80% said they knew where they could get help if they or a friend were sexually assaulted, harassed, abused or stalked.
  • Nearly 80% said they had a general understanding of Syracuse University’s procedures for addressing sexual and relationship violence.
  • Nearly 70% had a general understanding of the role of the University’s Title IX coordinator.
  • Slightly less than 8% reported having experienced some form of non-consensual sexual contact (sexual assault) during their time at Syracuse University.
  • 6% indicated that they had experienced relationship abuse during their time as a student at Syracuse. These behaviors included physical violence, threats, verbal abuse and coercive behavior.

Support and Resources

Students impacted by sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking and harassment can receive confidential counseling, advocacy and support, as well as discuss reporting options, with a member of the Sexual and Relationship Violence Response (SRVR) Team at the Barnes Center at The Arch 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The SRVR Team can be reached by calling 315.443.8000. For 24/7 confidential support and advocacy off campus, students may contact Vera House, an independent nonprofit organization, at 315.468.3260.

Reporting options include:

  • Title IX: call 315.443.0211; visit 005 Steele Hall; or email titleix@syr.edu.
  • Department of Public Safety: call 315.443.2224; call or send a message via the Orange Safe app; 711 from any campus phone; #78 on your cell; or visit 005 Sims Hall.
  • Syracuse Police Department: call 315.435.3016.
  • New York State Police: call 1.844.845.7269.
  • Anonymous Syracuse University Reporting: Department of Public Safety Silent Witness tool.

Education, Awareness and Prevention Programs

Students, faculty and staff interested in getting involved in sexual and relationship violence prevention efforts on campus or seeking to learn more about sexual and relationship violence, can visit the following resources for additional information:

For more information about resources, support, reporting and involvement opportunities, visit the Sexual and Relationship Violence Resources website and the Student Title IX website.