NCJ Number
219767
Journal
Violence and Victims Volume: 22 Issue: 3 Dated: 2007 Pages: 350-366
Date Published
2007
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study used routine activities theory to explain sexual assault on college campuses.
Abstract
Results indicated that being female, using drugs, and being single were statistically significant risk factors for campus sexual assault. However, at the institution level, none of the variables under examination were predictive of sexual assault on college campuses. The findings suggest that routine activities theory may not be the best explanation for sexual assaults on college campuses. College campuses are advised to focus on programming aimed at motivated offenders, rather than on programming designed to change women’s lifestyles or behaviors. Future research on sexual assault among college students should focus on study body familiarity or relational distance needs. Data were drawn from the Understanding Crime Victimization Among College Students in the United States 1993-1994 study, which included telephone interviews with 3,472 students from 12 postsecondary institutions across the United States. Students were interviewed regarding victimization experiences on campus, particularly sexual assault. Additionally, each institution was surveyed concerning aspects of campus security, law enforcement characteristics, crime prevention programs, and campus services. Data on 3,036 of the participants from 11 colleges were analyzed using descriptive statistics and hierarchical linear regression models. Tables, notes, references