Presenting Author: Victoria Frye, MPH, DrPH, City University of New York School of Medicine

ABSTRACT

Background: Most sexual violence (SV) prevention programs were designed for non-urban, residential college campuses. Urban commuter campus (UCC) students often live at home with family, hold jobs, and are less involved in Greek life. They are typically more diverse in terms of age, race, ethnicity, and immigration status. The City University of New York (CUNY) educates over 270,000 students annually and must deliver SV prevention to all incoming students and student leaders.

Objectives: To inform the design and delivery of SV prevention to UCC students, we conducted a qualitative study to explore how UCC students conceptualize, understand, and relate to SV/prevention.

Methods: Using flyers and web-based advertising, CUNY students were recruited to participate in face-to-face, qualitative interviews. Nineteen students participated (4 self-identified as male) in an interview that focused on student and campus life, conceptualizations of SV, knowledge around SV prevention and treatment resources, and ideas for prevention programs.

Results: Some interviewees had difficulty identifying non-consensual sexual activity. Few knew about campus resources or how/where to access support. Many noted the importance of living and socializing off campus. When asked about prevention, UCC students focused on individual-level approaches, such as self-defense or psychoeducational programs. A few focused on social norms that tolerate SV against women; some suggested bar-based interventions as particularly helpful to UCC students.

Implications: UCC students need SV prevention that addresses their unique needs and capitalizes on the aspects of urban life that may optimize SV prevention.

Authors: Victoria Frye, MPH, DrPH; Martina Delle Donne; Kimberly Delacruz; Jasmin Salcedo; and Sophia English.