College Healthcare Providers: Are They Prepared to Treat Students Following a Disclosure of Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is happening on university and college campuses. This study aims to explore the gap in care relative to how on-campus healthcare providers respond to college students following a disclosure of sexual assault and the access to resources provided to them. A sample of seven providers from two major college campuses in Stockton, CA responded to a questionnaire about formal disclosures of sexual assault. Each participant self-reported their knowledge of trauma-informed care (TIC) and what they understand about their campus resources for survivors of sexual assault. Results from participants who completed the survey indicated that although most knew where their policy and procedures were for their health center, five percent did not. Participants identified understanding trauma and its effects on the survivor and creating a safe space for the survivor as their top understanding of TIC. Sexual violence in college affects not just the survivor, but it affects the entire college environment. Understanding how the healthcare providers care for these survivors and what type of support is being offered to them nationwide can not only help heal the one that experienced the trauma but can also help to rebuild a hurting campus.