*All students who spoke in this article have chosen to remain anonymous, due to the sensitive nature of the subject.
In light of the recent sexual assault lawsuit filed against Villanova University and the reported rape on campus, conversations surrounding sexual misconduct have intensified among students.
“I can’t even count,” a senior female student said when asked how many of her friends had experienced sexual assault. “I feel like almost every girl I’m friends with has a story. And on top of that, some people have similar stories about the same person, but they [the perpetrators] still go by unscathed.”
“I know several people who have experienced sexual assault,” another senior shared. “It completely uproots one’s life. I think they move through the world with so much fear and hurt, and it’s very hard for them to trust people ever again.”
A third student agreed.
“It’s not even shocking anymore,” she said. “It’s just so common.”
According to the Villanova Community Climate Survey, recorded in 2021, about 11.9% of undergraduate respondents reported experiencing non-consensual or unwanted sexual conduct since being at Villanova. This number is equal to about one in every eight people.
While this survey is particular to Villanova students, the issue of sexual assault is pervasive at universities nationwide.
To help combat sexual assault, universities, including Villanova, enforce a strict Title IX policy. Title IX prohibits sex discrimination, which includes sexual assault and sexual harassment.
Yet, according to Villanova’s Title IX Coordinator Ryan Rost, a sexual misconduct policy is only one of many measures that universities should take to protect their students.
“These regulations are the floor, not the ceiling,” Rost said.
Villanova communication professor Dr. Amy Way, who teaches a course on sexual violence, echoed this point, explaining that a university has a responsibility beyond providing the training that they are legally required to do.
“[This involves] being realistic about what their campus culture is like, which includes off and on-campus parties, the penalties around drinking in dorms or on-campus [and] knowing what the social scene is like,” Way said.
Statistically, a large part of sexual assaults involve people that are under the influence.
“[However,] alcohol is never, ever to blame,” Rost said. “Nor is the survivor. And it is also not an excuse.”
Yet, given the increased risk of sexual assault when substances are involved, several female students expressed their increased caution when going out to parties or bars.
“I definitely don’t feel very safe in Philly or Manayunk, even with friends, so I avoid going out there,” a senior shared. “I think as I have gotten to know more people the campus feels safer, but freshman year I really had a lot more fear and anxiety, just because you don’t know who’s bad news or who’s not.”
Despite the widespread worry of sexual assault, many Villanova students still feel that there is a lack of discussion on campus surrounding the issue.
“I don’t think it is discussed enough,” a senior student said. “Sometimes I do feel like Villanova turns a blind eye to assault, and there isn’t much follow up about the topic after orientation.”
Before coming to Villanova, students are required to complete a series of modules aimed at educating students on the dangers of sexual violence. These modules address how to prevent assault, resources for victims and bystander intervention training.
After this training, education and prevention resources are available around campus, but they are rarely mandated.
“As a male student on campus my friends usually do not bring up sexual assault at all. But once we get these notifications from the school, people get more on high alert,” a Villanova sophomore said.
Rost agreed, adding that there needs to be more continuous discussion.
“When there are things that are publicized, the conversations bubble up, and then they fizzle out,” she said.
According to student experiences, friends, peers and community members play an important role in sexual assault prevention.
“My friends and I have rules about sticking together, texting each other and sharing locations,” a freshman said.
A senior described her experience being surrounded by friends when at places where alcohol is involved.
“I think at local bars in Villanova I feel safe,” a senior student said. “And I only really feel safe at Greek life events when I am surrounded by friends looking out for me.”
“My friends that are girls tell me stories about their own experiences alone in a strange Uber or a male student walking into the girls restroom,” a male student said. “It reminds me that I have to do my part in helping my friends whether it means leaving in an Uber with them or getting a strange man away from them because I never want them to feel uncomfortable.”
Rost further emphasized that a person’s peers and community are equally crucial in how they respond to such incidents.
“How a person responds to them can really set a path for their course of healing,” she said.
“We are all responsible for this culture,” Way added.
To report a sexual assault or an act of sexual misconduct, call Public Safety at 610-519-5800; the Title IX Coordinator Ms. Ryan Rost at 610-519-8805; or a Deputy Title IX Coordinator. For more information on support resources, call the Sexual Assault Resource Coordinator (SARC) at 484-343-6028. For more information on Villanova’s sexual misconduct prevention and education efforts, visit: https://www1.villanova.edu/university/sexual-misconduct/education.html. For the National Sexual Assault Hotline, call 1-800-656-4673.
