Study Finds Almost 20 Percent Of Female College Freshmen Victims Of Attempted Rape
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A new study has found that sexual assault among women in college may be an even bigger issue than previously thought.
The study, published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, found that almost 20 percent of females had experienced an incident of incapacitated rape, attempted and/or completed before even entering college.
Researchers say 483 women, ages 18-21, completed a health questionnaire at a large private university in the northeastern United States.
The study found that nine percent of women surveyed reported an attempted or completed forcible rape during their freshman year, and 15.4 percent reported an attempted or completed rape while they were incapacitated.
During the course of the study year, researchers say 18.6 percent of women reported attempted and/or completed forcible or incapacitated rape.
By the beginning of the second year on campus, researchers found, "26 percent and 22 percent had experienced incapacitated rape and forcible rape (attempted or completed) respectively."
By the end of the study, researchers say, "37 percent of participants had experienced attempted or completed forcible rape, incapacitated rape, or both since the age of 14 years."
Researchers conclude, "Both incapacitated and forcible sexual assaults and rape have reached epidemic levels among college women. Interventions to address sexual violence on campus are urgently needed."
To read the full study, click here.