Publication Date

12-22-2017

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Myers, Kristen A.

Degree Name

B.A. (Bachelor of Arts)

Legacy Department

Department of Sociology

Abstract

In this study, the author investigates how and why rape culture continues to exist in our society today. Certain concepts such as gender roles, college experience, acquaintance rape, and victim blaming are discussed in order to elaborate on this ideology. Furthermore, the author looks at how rape culture effects outcomes and survivors of sexual assault, specifically within universities, and how institutions handle such cases. Using surveys and research, it is clear that victims of sexual assault are not being supported and more needs to be done to help them. The author argues that because college environments and institutions tolerate sexual assault and put the responsibility on the survivors as opposed to the offender, victims suffer even more and refrain from reporting and seeking help. Universities fail to punish those found guilty of sexual assault appropriately, which only allows this epidemic to continue. It is clear that more people need to rebuke rape culture and start supporting and believing victims instead of shaming or blaming them into silence.

Extent

30 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Alt Title

Sexual Assault||Sexual Assault on Campus||Sexual Assault in College

Media Type

Text

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