Discussion List for campus-based and allied personnel working to end gender-based violence on campus.

[Rob Buelow <>]

Hi Sarah,

This is a great question. These data are so important for elevating the conversation to campus stakeholders (particularly senior administrators, or "purse string" holders) whose front-of-mind priorities are not necessarily student health and wellness, but rather retention, costs, recruitment, brand, compliance, etc. My position is that health and wellness are very much connected to these broader institutional priorities, and I like that you're seeking to make that case in advocating for a new hire.

Here are some resources:

The White House Council on Women and Girls released a report in January that outlines some economic cost data from a number of studies that show a range of $87,000-$240,776 per rape (see page 15 of the report).

I have not seen any published research showing quantitative findings of the impact of sexual assault on retention, unfortunately. That said, I know of exactly one article that does show the impact of sexual assault and rape on academic performance.  The citation is: Jordan, C.E., Combs, J.L., & Smith, J.T. (2014). An Exploration of Sexual Victimization and Academic Performance Among College Women. Trauma Violence Abuse, 15(3), 191-200. I summarized some of the findings in the attached slide, basically showing that experiences of sexual assault and rape among women in their first semester led to 51-142% greater likelihood (respectively) of GPAs under 2.5 compared to non-victims.

There was one WashPo article that came out last year that anecdotally talks about the impact of sexual assault on survivors' grades. I like this piece because of the powerful survivor story, and the practical implications and suggestions for campuses.

There was also a presentation at NASPA this year by two folks at the University of Tennessee - Knoxville who presented some interesting economic cost data related to sexual assault (including retention). The presenters were Ashley M. Blamey, DSW and Laura R. Bryant, LMSW.

At EverFi, we've seen higher rates of prior victimization among transfer students in our Haven data, and I believe there is literature out there that supports this. This suggests that sexual assault may be a contributing factor in students decision to leave an institution. Of note, we've also compiled a few campus case studies and one or two reports on the impact of student drinking on retention (among both drinkers and non-drinkers). Happy to connect with you if you want to learn more about these.

I'm wondering if other folks are aware of additional resources, or if there are any interesting practices going on to assess this on campuses (exit interviews, student surveys, etc.). 

Best

Rob

On Thu, Jan 22, 2015 at 3:05 PM, Diaz, Sarah <> wrote:

Hello colleagues,

 

I’m working w/a committee to prepare a proposal for a new sexual violence prevention position.

 

In an effort to make a strong business case I would like to include data regarding the economic cost of sexual assault and other forms of interpersonal violence to college campuses.

 

Can anyone share data regarding the economic cost of sexual violence to a campus (the effect on retention rates, etc)?

 

I know I have seen this type of data before, but can’t seem to find it now that I need it.

 

Your assistance is appreciated! Thanks!

 

Sarah :)

 

Sarah B. Diaz, MSW

Coordinator for Health Education and Outreach Programs

 

Butler University

4600 Sunset Avenue

Indianapolis, IN 46208

 

Office: 317.940.8311

24 Hr. Victim Support: 317.910.5572

Fax: 317.940.6403

    #BUBeWell

 

--

Robert Buelow 
Director, Partner Education
332 Congress St, 3rd Floor
Boston, MA 02210
P 781 726 6677 x154
  www.everfi.com

Attachment: SA and Academic Performance.pdf
Description: Adobe PDF document