Trauma-Informed Approaches to Campus Sexual Assault Response: A Mixed-Methods Study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Higher Education Administration
• Social Sciences

Background:

• Sexual assault response protocols in higher education are critical for student safety and well-being.
• Trauma-informed approaches are recognized as essential for effective and sensitive victim support.
• Existing federal regulations may present challenges to implementing comprehensive trauma-informed care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine attitudes towards and the implementation of trauma-informed approaches in U.S. higher education sexual assault response protocols.
• To identify barriers and facilitators to successful trauma-informed sexual assault response in academic settings.

Main Methods:

• A two-phase mixed-methods approach was employed.
• Quantitative data collected via survey from 830 U.S. higher education institutions.
• Qualitative data gathered through interviews with 43 participants from seven institutions.

Main Results:

• Staff generally support trauma-informed approaches but face constraints from federal requirements like the Clery Act and Title IX.
• Difficulties were reported in managing diverse priorities within response teams.
• Collaboration emerged as a significant facilitator for student-centered responses.

Conclusions:

• There is a need to better translate federal regulations into practical guidance for sexual assault response.
• Enhanced collaboration among response teams is crucial for effective, student-centered sexual assault interventions.
• Further research and policy refinement are needed to support trauma-informed practices in higher education.