Chancellor’s Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence Provides Summary of Student Survey Results

As part of ongoing efforts to address, respond to and raise awareness about interpersonal violence, the Chancellor’s Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence, with support from the Office of Institutional Research, administered the 2020 Sexual and Relationship Violence Student Climate Survey. The survey, which was also conducted in 2018, is administered in alignment with the New York State Enough is Enough legislation requirement and aims to gauge students’ attitudes, awareness and experiences related to sexual assault, stalking, dating violence and sexual harassment.

“The information provided from students who completed the survey in 2018 and 2020, as well as from other data and feedback surrounding programs, services and resources, provides important insight to guide and direct our continuing work to prevent and address sexual and relationship violence,” says Rob Hradsky, vice president for the student experience and co-chair of the Chancellor’s Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence.

This year’s survey garnered a 29 percent response rate from the stratified random sample of nearly 4,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students. The responses offer themes and key learnings that can inform the ways in which the University addresses sexual and relationship violence on campus. The full results of the survey can be accessed by students, faculty and staff by logging into MySlice.

Key findings from the students who responded to the 2020 survey include the following:

• Nearly 70 percent of respondents said they knew where they could get help if they or a friend were sexually assaulted.
• About 65 percent said they had a general understanding of Syracuse University’s procedures for addressing sexual and relationship violence.
• About 19 percent of respondents reported having experienced sexual contact without their consent since coming to Syracuse University.
• About 24 percent of respondents indicated that they had been affected by dating violence since coming to Syracuse University.

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, 7 days a week. The SRVR Team can be reached by calling 315.443.8000. For 24/7 confidential support and advocacy off campus, contact Vera House at 315.468.3260.

Reporting options include:

• Syracuse University Title IX Coordinator (in the Office of Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services): 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 LiveSafe 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

Opportunities for Involvement

Students, faculty and staff interested in getting involved in sexual and relationship violence prevention efforts on campus are encouraged to learn more about the following options:

• Join the Student Education and Prevention Team for Sexual and Relationship Violence (SEPT) listserv—open to students, faculty and staff—for updates about sexual and relationship prevention programming, initiatives and events on campus.
• Participate in training opportunities offered by the Office of Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services or attend a Wellness Leadership Institute session related to bystander intervention, consent or healthy relationships.
• Join the Peer Educators Encouraging Healthy Relationships and Sexuality who host programs and conduct outreach to educate fellow students.
• Connect with student organizations on campus who support, advocate and educate others about issues related to sexual and relationship violence, sexual health and safety.

For more information on resources and support, visit the Barnes Center at The Arch 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.