Abstract Summary/Description
Despite numerous studies that show LGBT populations are at an increased risk of experiencing sexual assault, very little headway has been made in understanding where they seek help from after the fact. Disengagement with the experiences of LGBT student victims of sexual assault could not only disempower them but also undermine the efficacy of campus-level response policies. This study is aimed at understanding the most common reasons LGBT students do not report their sexual assault to campus officials. 20 LGBT student survivors of sexual assault were interviewed about their beliefs around reporting, campus resources, and beliefs on the role their universities play in bringing them justice. Results are forthcoming, but preliminary analysis has shown the need to create campus resources that are considerably more relevant to these populations. This study intends to add to the literature on sexual violence by highlighting key flaws in campus-level policy that need to be addressed to better support LGBT victims in their fight for justice.
