UK and Australian University Students’ Perceptions of the Nature of Sexual Assault and Intervening Behavior

Sexual assault is a global problem, with the risk highest among university students. Bystander intervention preventing sexual assaults has primarily been researched using quantitative methods to understand what factors influence it. However, both sexual assault and bystander intervention are complex...

Descripción completa

Guardado en:  
Detalles Bibliográficos
Autor principal: Labhardt, Danielle (Autor)
Otros Autores: Brown, Sarah ; Holdsworth, Emma ; McKillop, Nadine ; Howat, Douglas James ; Jones, Christian
Tipo de documento: Electrónico Artículo
Lenguaje:Inglés
Publicado: 2024
En: Journal of interpersonal violence
Año: 2024, Volumen: 39, Número: 9/10, Páginas: 1952-1975
Acceso en línea: Volltext (kostenfrei)
Journals Online & Print:
Gargar...
Verificar disponibilidad: HBZ Gateway
Palabras clave:
Descripción
Sumario:Sexual assault is a global problem, with the risk highest among university students. Bystander intervention preventing sexual assaults has primarily been researched using quantitative methods to understand what factors influence it. However, both sexual assault and bystander intervention are complex with many subtle and overlapping issues that, when analyzed qualitatively, can offer new insights. The current study aimed to explore and develop a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of students’ perceptions of sexual assault and bystander intervention across two universities, one in the United Kingdom and one in Australia. Thirty-nine university students (19 in the United Kingdom; 20 in Australia) took part in one-to-one semistructured interviews. Using inductive thematic analysis, two overarching themes were identified: (a) navigating the complex dynamics of sexual assault; and (b) decisions to intervene or not to intervene. Findings suggest that the complexity and ambiguity around sexual assault can forestall bystander intervention. As such, increasing education, awareness, and discussions around sexual assault and bystander intervention is vital to increase awareness of the problem and mobilize action from bystanders to prevent sexual assault.
ISSN:1552-6518
DOI:10.1177/08862605231212171