Differences Between Students of Color and White Students in Prevalence and Trauma Effects of Sexual Assault

Authors

  • Adrienne Baldwin-White Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Spit For Science Virginia Commonwealth University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18060/28137

Keywords:

sexual violence, racial identity, racial differences and sexual assault, race and trauma, race and violence outcomes

Abstract

Sexual assault is a public health issue, particularly among college students. College students have a risk of perpetrating sexual assault and being victimized. Students of color are at an increased risk of experiencing sexual assault and are more likely to have worse outcomes due to the trauma compared to White students. However, very little research has sought to understand the differences in prevalence and negative trauma outcomes. The following secondary data analysis sought to find out if there are differences in rates of sexual violence, where those differences are, and whether students of color have different outcomes. Results showed significant differences in the prevalence of sexual assaults and the effects of trauma for students of color, with students of color consistently demonstrating higher risk.

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Published

2025-07-09