The following article was written by Story Southworth ’15 for a Women’s Psychology course. Story brought it to HerCampus for publication.
Research conducted by Psychology Professor Matthew Kimble at Middlebury College and Bucknell University found that female undergraduates who study abroad are significantly more likely to experience rape and other types of sexual assault than women who remain on campus.
The study, conducted in 2009, consisted of a survey filled out by 218 junior and senior females who had studied abroad in the previous two academic years. The women reported that while abroad the risk of nonconsensual sexual contact (such as groping) was over four times higher, attempted sexual assault occurred three times as often, and they were five times more likely to experience completed sexual assault, or rape. Kimble’s study established that the majority of any type of sexual assault was done by non-student local residents, although there were also cases cited where the perpetrator was a fellow study abroad or local student.
Kimble hypothesized the risk might be higher while abroad because of factors such as the lack of familiarity with the culture, legal access to alcohol for the first time, and the potential for being seen as somewhat vulnerable within the country. He admitted that the goal of the initial study was not to identify the risk factors but he did reveal some noticeable trends. The region students traveled to seemed to be a predictor, with Africa and the Americas showing the most significant rates of sexual assault, and English-speaking countries the lowest.
In the aftermath of the controversial publication of the Amherst College student’s experience with sexual assault on campus, it has become clear that this is a topic that people need to address more openly. Incidents of sexual assault, both on and off campuses all across the US, are higher than people might expect since it is a crime which tends to go unreported. It is important to continue having discussions to increase awareness about the possibility of these types of experiences as a way to educate ourselves and prevent more sexual assaults. Women’s empowerment requires focusing on preventing dangerous situations rather than just focusing on helping women adapt to those situations. Expressing concern and general action toward women’s safety will help empower all women leading to a more equal and positive society.
Connecticut College’s study abroad office dedicates a section of it’s handbook – available online – to safety in a foreign country and pamphlets provide students with the information to report any safety concerns. Darcie Folsom, Coordinator of Sexual Violence Education and Advocacy can also be reached at any time with the information provided at the end of this article.
When asked what the College is doing to address this issue, Folsom talked about the Green Dot Campaign and it’s growing popularity on and off campus both with study abroad students and alums. When asked what she has been doing to help Conn students feel safer Folsom replied,“We have taken much more of a directive of ‘this is how we can stop sexual assault’ instead of ‘this is how you can stop yourself from being assaulted.’ Of course we want to change assault cultures but in the meantime here are the tools and facts to empower women and let them feel comfortable.” Helpful preventive measures are offered at the pre-departure meetings and in-country orientations, or you can contact Folsom or the study abroad office for more information.
I hope that the higher risk of assault will not stop someone from traveling abroad. When asked about her experiences and if she feels safe, a current Connecticut College student studying abroad in Vietnam stated, “To be open to a new culture you also need to feel safe. The best advice I can offer is to listen to your gut, and respect instincts. I have always learned the most about my own strengths by putting myself in new and unfamiliar situations and this is the potential gain that travel affords.” The risk of assault, while serious, should not trump the positive experiences and benefits that come from studying abroad.
Students can help make traveling abroad safer by reporting any instances of sexual assault to both the study abroad program and the home institute. Through the intentional collaboration of students, faculty, staff and the larger community, we will foster an environment of integrity, civility, and respect for all.
Any comments or concerns the author can be reached at ssouthwo@conncoll.edu. Thank you!
Darcie Folsom, Coordinator of Sexual Violence Education and Advocacy,
Crozier-Williams 222, (860) 439-2219, thinksafe@conncoll.edu
The American Embassy www.usembassy.gov