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Experiences of sexual assault and rape among college students with disabilities.

Jenna M HollowayToby KleinJacquelyn D Wiersma-MosleyKristen N JozkowskiAmanda TerrellLaura James
Published in: Journal of American college health : J of ACH (2022)
Objective and Methods: The study examined sexual victimization among college students with disabilities ( n  = 187) using an online survey at a large southern university. Students reported one or multiple disabilities: physical disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)/Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), learning disabilities, and emotional disabilities, with most students reporting more than one disability. Results: Overall, 71% of the sample experienced one or more types of lifetime sexual assault and/or rape, and 51% reported sexual victimization since attending the university. There were no significant differences in experiencing sexual assault and/or rape between students with one disability compared to students with more than one disability. Conclusions: Considering the high rates of sexual victimization among students with disabilities, and the dearth of research focusing on the context of sexual assault in this population, future research and research-based prevention initiatives are needed. Findings can inform future prevention efforts to address sexual violence among students with disabilities on campuses.
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