Experiences of sexual assault and rape among college students with disabilities

J Am Coll Health. 2024 Apr;72(3):761-767. doi: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2057190. Epub 2022 Apr 5.

Abstract

Objective and Methods: The study examined sexual victimization among college students with disabilities (n = 187) using an online survey at a large southern university. Students reported one or multiple disabilities: physical disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)/Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), learning disabilities, and emotional disabilities, with most students reporting more than one disability. Results: Overall, 71% of the sample experienced one or more types of lifetime sexual assault and/or rape, and 51% reported sexual victimization since attending the university. There were no significant differences in experiencing sexual assault and/or rape between students with one disability compared to students with more than one disability. Conclusions: Considering the high rates of sexual victimization among students with disabilities, and the dearth of research focusing on the context of sexual assault in this population, future research and research-based prevention initiatives are needed. Findings can inform future prevention efforts to address sexual violence among students with disabilities on campuses.

Keywords: Alcohol; college students with disabilities; perpetrator; rape; sexual assault.

MeSH terms

  • Crime Victims* / psychology
  • Humans
  • Rape*
  • Sex Offenses*
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Students / psychology
  • Universities