First Name:
Lauren
Last Name:
White
Major Department:
Sociology/Legal Studies
Thesis Director:
Amy Page
Date of Thesis:
Dec 2011
Assessing Sexual Assault at Appalachian State University is a content analysis of existing records of two local response agencies. The first is a non-profit rape and domestic violence crisis center. The second is the university’s Office of Student Conduct. Records were analyzed in order to understand what kinds of sexual assaults are reported to these agencies at ASU. They were coded for alleged victim and alleged perpetrator demographics. They were also analyzed to understand what steps are taken by alleged victims after experiencing sexual violence. The findings of this study indicate that sexual violence may be underreported at ASU and that the demographics of alleged victims, alleged perpetrators, and characteristics of the assaults reflect national trend. Findings regarding the prosecution and investigation of these cases are discussed. Finally, a Civil Rights Model of Investigation is recommended for future sexual assault cases.