Comprehensive policies for victims of sexual assault returning to the campus classroom: Lessons from university sports-related concussion policies.

ObjectiveThe current paper presents a comparison of university policies and health and academic accommodations offered to undergraduate students following sexual assault (SA) and sports-related concussions (SRC). Procedures and protocols for universities to consider adapting from their SRC policies to their SA policies are detailed.

Participants

The SRC and SA policies at the 50 United States public flagship universities were analyzed.

Methods

The research team coded for a number of policy details including health referrals, academic and financial accommodations, and requirements for follow-up with university personnel.

Results

Compared to SA polices, SRC policies at the public flagship universities offer more comprehensive academic accommodations and physical and mental health resources.

Conclusions

Comprehensive policies for student SA survivors, like those available for students who suffer SRCs, would improve student health and academic outcomes and increase SA survivors' likelihood of graduating college, thereby reducing individual and societal human capital loses.