Research:Addressing Sexual Violence in Student Greek Organizations after the COVID-19 Lockdown at UCLA

Addressing Sexual Violence in Student Greek Organizations after the COVID-19 Lockdown at UCLA

Participation in Greek life on college and university campuses is associated with increased risk for a range of adverse experiences, including hazing, alcohol abuse and sexual violence sexual harassment (SVSH). Dubbed “the red zone,” more than half of all sexual assaults among college students occur during the first term of the academic year. In the fall of 2021, campuses across the United States welcomed two sets of new classes (i.e., freshmen and sophomores) as well as returning juniors and seniors who missed a year of in-person education and it was unknown how students’ social experiences would be impacted by the prolonged period of limited social interaction.

In 2021, UCLA was ranked the top U.S. public school university. The campus has a vibrant Greek life but its climate for SVSH is unknown, overall and within Greek life. This study aims to explore UCLA students’ exposure to SVSH, SVSH prevention education, and their knowledge and use of services and programs for SVSH survivors and allies before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Research Aims

Assess UCLA sorority and fraternity members’ perceptions about sexual violence and harassment within Greek life, and their knowledge of resources and programs for victim-survivors of violence.

Assess students’ perceptions of how returning to campus after the COVID lockdown impacted risk for sexual violence within Greek life.

Generate recommendations for how members within Greek life and university leadership can better improve programs, resources, and education surrounding sexual violence.