Date of Conferral

5-16-2025

Date of Award

May 2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Douglas McCoy

Abstract

Sexual violence is a significant issue in the US, and specifically on college campuses. Students who identify as a racial and gender minority have been found to be at increased risk. While research has examined the barriers to disclosure, reporting, or help-seeking among survivors within higher education who identify as a racial minority and those who identify as a gender minority, no qualitative studies have looked at the barriers faced by student survivors who identify as both a racial and gender minority. The purpose of this study was to understand the barriers faced by students who identify as a racial minority and transgender, nonbinary, gender fluid, or gender nonconforming in disclosing, reporting, or seeking support after experiencing sexual violence while attending college or university. This study used a basic qualitative approach, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with five participants within this population. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify common themes among participants to identify the barriers this population faces in disclosing, reporting, or seeking support. Six core themes which help to describe the barriers faced by this population include (1) Inability to utilize family as informal support, (2) Anticipation of a negative experience or reaction, (3) Negative reactions, (4) Negative perception, (5) Lack of confidence, and (6) Fear or experience of gender identity or racial stigma. The results of this study provide insight for institutions of higher education to increase education and knowledge within formal support on campus, and to create more welcoming and inclusive environments on campuses to help survivors who identify as a racial and gender minority feel safe and comfortable accessing support after experiencing sexual violence.

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