Higher education sexual misconduct and awareness survey: University of Virginia, 2024

Abstract

This report details findings from the 2024 Higher Education Sexual Misconduct and Awareness (HESMA) survey conducted at the University of Virginia, part of a broader consortium involving 10 institutions, including Stanford, Yale, and Georgetown. This systematic assessment addresses sexual assault and misconduct incidents, student perceptions, knowledge of resources, and bystander intervention behaviours. The survey's six primary goals included estimating the prevalence of sexual assault and harassment, examining student responses and consequences, evaluating perceptions of risk, and comparing changes since a similar 2019 survey. <br><br>

Noteworthy findings include changes in knowledge about available resources: fewer students, particularly undergraduate and graduate/professional women, reported knowing where to seek help or make reports in cases of sexual misconduct compared to 2019. Additionally, experiences of nonconsensual contact and intimate partner violence were surveyed across gender and affiliation, revealing notable differences in bystander behaviour and resource utilisation. The report suggests that targeted interventions could improve campus climate and safety, providing data to guide more effective institutional policies and resources.