Breaking the silence: examining campus sexual violence and the psychological effects on women survivors.

OBJECTIVE

To explore sexual violence in Indonesian higher education and the psychological impact on women who intend to speak up.

METHOD: This mixed-methods study combined an online survey of 472 respondents, including students, lecturers, officials, and staff from two universities, with follow-up interviews to enrich and validate the survey.

RESULTS

Sexual violence occurred in various forms on campus, with 12% of respondents reporting victimization and 18% choosing not to disclose the experiences. Some contributing factors to sexual violence on campuses include peer pressure, power abuse, lower moral values, and the ability to conduct sexual violence. The victims dealt with significant psychological problems, such as trauma, fear, depression, a desire to self-harm, and a decline in academic performance.

CONCLUSION

Campuses must have comprehensive interventions for sexual violence survivors to create a safer and more responsive academic environment.