Sexual violence plagues the United States, especially on college campuses. While most colleges endeavor to provide a safe space for their students, this is not always the outcome, particularly for those who are in the United States to study internationally.
At White Law PLLC, we have experience in handling sexual assault cases on Michigan campuses. We firmly believe that all students should feel safe while they gain an education to improve their lives, and that includes international students who may face unique risks of sexual violence.
If you have encountered sexual violence on your college campus, please contact our Michigan sexual assault lawyer to discuss your legal options.
A Culture of Sexual Violence on Campuses
While it is true that international students may face unique risks of sexual violence, to truly understand what that means, we have to discuss the overall prevalence and culture of sexual violence on campuses.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines sexual violence as any sexual contact wherein consent was not obtained or freely given. A fact sheet about campus sexual assault from the American Psychological Association reports that sexual violence accounts for nearly half of all crimes on college campuses.
The reported numbers show that about eight students out of every 10,000 will experience an assault on campus. However, the same APA article also states that researchers suspect nearly 90% of assaults go unreported.
Regarding experiences of sexual assault, up to 25% of college-aged women report they have been assaulted on campus, and nearly 7% of men report the same.
An increase in sexual behavior combined with a newfound sense of freedom that comes with less parental supervision, the novelty of college life and experiences, and an increased likelihood of substance or alcohol use are all suspected factors in these situations.
The risk factors of sexual violence are known to increase with the addition of additional identities such as membership of the LGBTQ+ communities, disability, membership of a minority group, or being an international student.
Initiatives to Stop Sexual Violence
White Law PLLC is dedicated to being part of the solution to sexual violence on college campuses. Education for students, faculty, and law enforcement can go a long way to preventing sexual violence on campus.
While following general campus sexual assault safety tips may help protect you from assault, when it happens, the blame and shame of sexual assault lies only with the perpetrator.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Sexual Violence Among International Students
The rates of sexual violence among the general population are staggering, and the numbers among international students are even more disheartening.
A recent study cited in the above-mentioned APA page reports that in a group of 829 students, where 13.5% percent of them were international students, over 5% of them reported being survivors of sexual violence. This data also showed that international students are at a higher risk of adverse mental health effects, and this is suspected to be for multiple reasons.
Language Barriers
Many international students use a study abroad program to help them learn a new language. The Michigan State University study abroad page cites language acquisition as one of the main reasons individuals should participate in programs like this.
While this is an invaluable skill and experience, the student’s initial time here will likely be met with communication challenges in sharing and understanding interactions.
Survivors who speak English as their first language have a difficult time navigating the legal system and bureaucratic process to determine how to report an assault and seek justice.
Many survivors report that they have a hard time articulating their experience when they decide to talk about it, and this is only made more difficult when English is not their first language. Completing the reporting and interview process can often require a complex understanding of the language to ensure clear and accurate communication, making this especially intimidating to international students.
Cultural Barriers
Yet another reason students may choose to study abroad is to learn another culture, meaning they are not yet familiar with the nuances of our social situations.
Many students may feel that what they experience is a normal part of our culture, making them less likely to report and less likely to push back in situations that make them uncomfortable. There may also be additional pressure to fit in and not disrupt the status quo, making international students more vulnerable than domestic students.
An additional consideration of the unique risks of sexual violence international students face is that they may not be familiar with the reporting process.
While This does not necessarily make them more likely to be assaulted, it can decrease reporting. However, if a perpetrator knows the student is likely unfamiliar with the process and, therefore, less likely to report, it may make them a target.
Social Isolation
International students often participate in study abroad programs alone or with only one or two other students. When individuals lack close relationships to ensure they are okay or who are physically present to intervene in an assault, they are more vulnerable.
This is not to say that every international student will lack friends, but there is often an adjustment period that may leave them more vulnerable.
Shorter Duration
Many international study programs are only for a semester. According to several sources of college campus sexual assault statistics, risks are highest in the first few months of the first and second semesters of college. For many international students, this is the only time they will be on our campuses.
Speak with a Michigan Sexual Assault Lawyer Today
If you have experienced sexual assault on campus, whether you are a domestic or international student, you deserve to have a voice. If you are wondering why you need a lawyer for a campus sexual assault case, you should consider the fact that the university and the perpetrator will likely have one to represent their interest.
As your legal representation, we can help facilitate conversations with law enforcement, the university, and the accused or their representation while we pursue compensation for your pain and injuries.
If you are concerned about finances, we offer contingency-based payment options that allow you to pay us only when we have recovered compensation on your behalf.
The journey to healing after an assault can be grueling, but you don’t have to do it alone. White Law PLLC knows this was not your fault, so call us today to schedule your free case consultation.
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