On the University of Arizona campus.Listen:
A University of Arizona campus-wide survey on sexual assault and misconduct showed 20 percent of female students experienced some sort of nonconsensual sexual contact since starting their studies at the UA.
That finding is right in line with the results from 26 other colleges and universities across the country that conducted the same survey last spring.
The report also shows non-heterosexual students and students with disabilities are the most likely targets of sexual misconduct.
Overall, 13 percent of students say they have experienced sexual misconduct or sexual assault during their time at the UA.
Vice President for Student Affairs Melissa Vito said she is pleased that the survey revealed that the vast majority of students know where to report incidences and have confidence in the university’s handling of cases. She said the data will be used to improve the school’s response to sexual misconduct.
"We want to make sure that we’re doing education and outreach, expanding our bystander intervention programs and then continuing to collect data and so it’s going to be really a dynamic process over time," Vito said.
The survey was sent to all UA students last April. Eight percent completed the questionnaire, but Vito said she is confident in the accuracy of the results, despite the low response rate.
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