A recent study proclaimed that about 15% of female college freshmen have been sexually assaulted while they were incapacitated by alcohol or drugs. This shocking statistic displays the recklessness and disregard displayed on many college campuses today, and the problem appears to be getting worse.
The results of the study were published in the latest issue of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. Led by researcher Kate Carey, Ph.D., a professor of behavioral and social sciences at Brown University School of Public Health, in Providence, R.I., the sample included nearly 500 female students.
They also found that about 18% had been the victims of incapacitated rape before college, of which a higher percentage were found to be the victims again in their freshmen year (41%). The biggest risk factor is heavy drinking, which is an unfortunate behavioral trait for students across the country. The authors of the study made sure to emphasize that the alcohol intake of the young women in no way excuses the crimes committed against them. Instead, the they hope that the information is used as a warning sign for young women everywhere as part of a nationwide prevention program.
Although the statistics were sampled from one particular college in New York State, the behavior is echoed nationally among students, and it is estimated that the results would be similar elsewhere as well. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) claims that there are nearly 100,000 sexual assaults and date rapes each year among college students under the influence of heavy drinking.
In many cases, the drinking habits then escalate after the victimization, often putting these young women at risk of developing a more chronic alcohol use disorder. If you or someone you love has a problem with alcohol or any other drug, contact us today for more information on getting help.
