VOICE: Exploring the Experiences of University Students who have Experienced Gender-Based Violence
Abstract
Introduction: The occurrence and severity of gender-based violence (GBV) on Canadian higher education campuses has been a concern for decades. In September 2021, there were multiple reports of GBV at several Canadian universities with Western University being an exceptional case. The goal of this study was to explore: (1) the experiences of students who have experienced GBV during their enrollment at Western University; (2) the impact of GBV on students’ academics; and (3) student knowledge and experience with GBV resources.
Methods: This cross-sectional, qualitative study used an interpretive description framework and dialogue maps, underpinned by intersectionality. Seventeen undergraduate students were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide.
Results: Undergraduate students struggled to label their experiences as GBV and were unable to avoid contact with their perpetrator, as they both were required on campus. Students identified both short-term and long-term academic consequences of GBV including falling behind academically and needing to rethink future academic goals. Students reported engaging with formal and informal resources following their GBV experience with the most common barriers being related to accessibility and facilitators being related to acceptability of the resource.
Conclusion: Students face unique challenges when experiences of GBV occur in the University setting, particularly related to academics and knowledge of available resources. It is important that GBV services and Universities ensure resources are visible, accessible, and acceptable to students.