Student Experiences Reporting Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct to the Title IX Office at a Public State University

Authors

Aliya R. Webermann, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, University of Maryland
Kathryn Holland, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Christopher M. Murphy, University of MarylandFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2023

Citation

Violence Against Women 1–22. DOI: 10.1177/10778012221150274

Comments

U.S. government works are not subject to copyright.

Abstract

Twenty-five survivors completed anonymous surveys about reporting sexual and gender-based misconduct to their public university’s Title IX office, including case characteristics, perceptions of the reporting and response process (e.g., helpfulness, respect), and experiences of institutional betrayal and support. Measures and open-ended responses described varied misconduct incidents, reporting behaviors, case outcomes, process issues, and negative process consequences. Additionally, process perceptions correlated with institutional betrayal and support. Findings illuminate how survivors’ Title IX process perceptions relate to experiencing harm or support from larger institutions, and offer insights into developing a Title IX process which maintains student rights and dignity regardless of outcome.