Harris Andrew J, Terry Karen J, Ackerman Alissa R
1 University of Massachusetts Lowell, USA.
2 John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York City, USA.
Sex Abuse. 2019 Apr;31(3):263-269. doi: 10.1177/1079063218800471. Epub 2018 Sep 14.
In recent years, the problem of campus-based sexual assault has emerged as a prominent matter of concern for institutions of higher education. Amid expanded media attention and a shifting policy landscape, many institutions have grappled with programmatic and legal challenges related to systems of investigation and adjudication of sexual assault cases. Meanwhile, many have worked to develop and deploy proactive preventive measures including those involving bystander engagement, peer-driven interventions, sexual assault awareness campaigns, self-defense programs, and the innovative use of social media and other technology. In this context, there is a growing need for high-quality empirical research that can shed light on the extent and nature of campus sexual assault; evaluate existing institutional systems and processes; and promote the development, testing, and evaluation of novel approaches that respond to unmet needs and challenges. As an introduction to a special journal issue devoted to this nascent but rapidly emerging field of inquiry, this article offers context and perspective on the vital role that research can play in the development and advancement of effective policies and strategies to prevent and effectively respond to campus-based sexual assault.
近年来，校园性侵犯问题已成为高等教育机构关注的一个突出问题。在媒体关注度不断提高和政策环境不断变化的背景下，许多机构都在应对与性侵犯案件调查和裁决系统相关的程序性和法律挑战。与此同时，许多机构致力于制定和实施积极的预防措施，包括那些涉及旁观者参与、同伴驱动的干预、性侵犯意识宣传活动、自卫项目以及社交媒体和其他技术的创新应用。在这种背景下，对高质量实证研究的需求日益增长，这类研究能够揭示校园性侵犯的程度和性质；评估现有的机构系统和流程；并促进新方法的开发、测试和评估，以应对未满足的需求和挑战。作为对一本专门探讨这个新兴但迅速发展的研究领域的特刊的引言，本文提供了背景信息和观点，阐述了研究在制定和推进有效政策及策略以预防和有效应对校园性侵犯方面可以发挥的重要作用。
