Prevalence and Co-Occurrence of College Sexual Violence Experienced by 2SLGBTQIA+ Students: Gender- and Gender Modality-Based Analysis

Sexual and gender minorities are overrepresented among victims of sexual violence in higher education settings. This vulnerability encapsulates considerable variability, such that further information in required to tailor prevention and intervention approaches for those most vulnerable. The purpose of this study was to explore whether sexual violence experiences in college settings (SVCS) reported by sexual and gender minority students varied by gender identity (i.e., non-binary, women, men) and modality (i.e., trans or cisgender) of the participants. A total of 3,182 2SLGBTQIA+ participants studying in college settings in Quebec met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analyses. 54.1% of participants reported experiencing at least one SVCS since their arrival at the institution. Overall, cisgender sexual minority men were less likely to report experiencing at least one SVCS situation (vs. trans men, non-binary individuals, cisgender sexual minority women, gender-questioning individuals). Non-binary individuals reported higher co-occurrence of SVCS than cisgender sexual minority men and women. Compared to cisgender sexual minority men, gender-questioning individuals and cisgender sexual minority women reported higher co-occurrence of SVCS. Specific subgroup differences were also observed across gender identity and modality in terms of type of sexual violence reported. The findings support the need for SVCS prevention strategies that address the overlap between sexual violence and homophobic and transphobic discrimination, deconstruct heterocissexist norms, and specifically address the types of sexual violence most prevalent among 2SLGBTQIA+ victims (i.e., being stared at or sexually objectified; being told sexual stories or jokes).