Description |
Many academic institutions, both undergraduate and graduate, persist in neglecting the intersections of race, gender identity, immigrant status, disability status, LGBTQIA+ affiliation, first-generation and international student status and their impact on survivors' access to and utilization of campus and community resources for gender-based violence. This research investigated the experiences of survivors with marginalized identities in when accessing university and community resources and their perspectives on mandatory reporting. It provided a space to center their recommendations for enhancing or modifying campus resources. Through highlighting the survey and interview responses of 33 undergraduate and graduate survivors with marginalized identities, this study endeavors to amplify their voices and pave the way forward for changes to ensure greater accessibility and cultural competence in campus and community resources. Through using qualitative narrative and thematic analysis of survivors' experiences, various patterns emerged, delineating barriers within and beyond a research-one university campus situated in the Intermountain West. The patterns include economic barriers; frustrations stemming from a lack of diversity within campus resources; insufficient support and follow-up; apprehension towards police, and emotions of fear, anger, and shame. Additionally, few survivors recounted positive experiences, with the majority expressing discontent with federal mandatory reporting requirements. Moreover, survivors provided recommendations about the necessity of improving resources, advocating for improved training for mandatory reporters, enhancing diversity within campus resources, heightening efforts to raise awareness of available resources among students, increasing funding for resources, and offering support for secondary trauma survivors. |