Evaluating sexual violence prevention and response strategies in higher education: insights from a systematic review of North American universities
- 1Department of Sociology, University of California, Berkeley
Abstract
Introduction: The scientific literature highlights the critical need for strong university policies and protocols to prevent and respond to sexual violence. However, key gaps persist in identifying the most effective strategies, particularly for survivors, and determining which institutions lead in best practices.
Methods: This systematic review examined and compared prevention and response mechanisms across 20 North American universities (comparing top-ranked and lower- ranked institutions based on ARWU 2022). The analysis evaluated factors such as the diversity of resources, formal versus informal support structures, and mandatory reporting policies.
Results: The systematic review identified three key findings: (1) Universities without mandatory reporting policies prioritize community-focused actions (such as peer support and bystander training) over bureaucratic compliance. (2) Peer-led initiatives (including CARE centers and 24/7 hotlines) are the most impactful resources for survivors. (3) No correlation exists between institutional academic ranking (ARWU 2022) and policy effectiveness, directly challenging assumptions regarding elite universities’ leadership in this domain.
Discussion: The study highlights key best practices (such as survivor-centered design and off-campus partnerships) while critiquing outdated measures like mandatory reporting without confidentiality safeguards. Based on these insights, it offers actionable recommendations and guidance for universities worldwide seeking to strengthen campus prevention and response efforts against sexual violence.
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BibTeX
@article{vidu2026evaluating,
title = {{Evaluating sexual violence prevention and response strategies in higher education: insights from a systematic review of North American universities}},
author = {Ana Vidu},
journal = {Frontiers in Public Health},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3389/fpubh.2026.1919906},
url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1919906/full},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Evaluating sexual violence prevention and response strategies in higher education: insights from a systematic review of North American universities
AU - Ana Vidu
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/21
JO - Frontiers in Public Health
DO - 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1919906
UR - https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1919906/full
AB - Introduction: The scientific literature highlights the critical need for strong university policies and protocols to prevent and respond to sexual violence. However, key gaps persist in identifying the most effective strategies, particularly for survivors, and determining which institutions lead in best practices. Methods: This systematic review examined and compared prevention and response mechanisms across 20 North American universities (comparing top-ranked and lower- ranked institutions based on ARWU 2022). The analysis evaluated factors such as the diversity of resources, formal versus informal support structures, and mandatory reporting policies. Results: The systematic review identified three key findings: (1) Universities without mandatory reporting policies prioritize community-focused actions (such as peer support and bystander training) over bureaucratic compliance. (2) Peer-led initiatives (including CARE centers and 24/7 hotlines) are the most impactful resources for survivors. (3) No correlation exists between institutional academic ranking (ARWU 2022) and policy effectiveness, directly challenging assumptions regarding elite universities’ leadership in this domain. Discussion: The study highlights key best practices (such as survivor-centered design and off-campus partnerships) while critiquing outdated measures like mandatory reporting without confidentiality safeguards. Based on these insights, it offers actionable recommendations and guidance for universities worldwide seeking to strengthen campus prevention and response efforts against sexual violence.
SN - 2296-2565
ER -