EverFi Uncovers High Rates of Sexual Assault Among Incoming College Students

WASHINGTON, Feb. 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- EverFi, Inc., the leading critical skills education company today announced national student survey results indicating that 13% of incoming female college students reported that they were sexually assaulted before they arrived at college, with another 3% reporting an assault within just their first four to six weeks on campus. EverFi's attitudinal and behavioral assessments reinforced that these first few weeks are a high-risk period, and students with prior experience of sexual assault are at even greater risk for revictimization.

The survey includes 530,000 students from over 400 institutions that have implemented EverFi's Haven – Understanding Sexual Assault™ course, making it one of the largest assessments ever undertaken on student attitudes, experiences, and behaviors related to sexual assault and relationship violence.  The findings are documented in a newly published report titled Sexual Victimization and Social Norms on the College Campus.   

"Every campus is under incredible pressure to address this difficult issue," said EverFi Chief Executive Officer Tom Davidson.  "We're helping hundreds of campuses understand the critical component of student voice so they can incorporate programming that addresses the unique needs of their campus."

Based on their responses to survey questions, students were found to fall into either a "healthy profile" (65%) or an "unhealthy profile" (35%).  Students in the "unhealthy profile" were more likely to indicate having pressured or forced someone into sexual contact without their explicit consent. These students also tend to engage in more high-risk alcohol use. 

Empowering the critical mass of students with healthy attitudes and behaviors to effectively take action to prevent sexual assault is a widely utilized prevention approach. However, inaccurate perceptions of campus norms can present substantial barriers to bystander action. EverFi research shows that students feel they are drastically more likely to intervene than their peers. Comparing responses of students before and after taking Haven, students' misperceptions of norms are reduced by 20-30%. This promising finding indicates that students are becoming more aware that positive bystander behavior is normative, acceptable, and encouraged on their campuses, thus reducing social barriers they may face in situations where they can step in and make a difference.

There are now 550 higher education institutions implementing EverFi's Haven course as a fundamental component of campus efforts to exceed federal Title IX and Clery Act requirements outlined by the Department of Education. Among the institutions partnering with EverFi include Carnegie Mellon University, University of Michigan, Villanova University, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute.

Regional Symposia:
EverFi has launched a series of regional symposia for campus administrators, prevention practitioners, and community members to better understand the best practices in the prevention of campus sexual assault and alcohol prevention.  Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear keynoted the first event in Lexington, KY and South Carolina State Attorney General Alan Wilson opened the second event at the University of South Carolina.  EverFi will host another four events in March in Cambridge, MA, Philadelphia, PA, Southern California, and Milwaukee, WI. Registration information is available here.

About EverFi Inc.
EverFi, Inc. is the leading education technology company focused on teaching, assessing, and certifying students in the critical skills they need for life. EverFi partners with over 700 higher education institutions to bring its innovative student wellness learning platform to students across the country.  Over 33 percent of all incoming college freshman utilize EverFi's student wellness courses on sexual assault prevention, alcohol abuse prevention, and financial wellness.  Learn more at www.everfi.com.

Media Contact:
Brian Cooley
[email protected]
202-625-0011 x352

SOURCE EverFi, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.everfi.com