Sexual Violence at Universities and Prestigious Higher Education Institutions

In the wake of #MeToo, such acts of violence are now being denounced in higher education as well , particularly among students.

In France, universities and “grandes écoles” have recognized the significance of this violence, as exemplified by the #sciencesporcs movement (which calls out not only students but also professors, editor’s note). In addition to its impact on victims’ mental health, sexual violence among students increases the risk of disengagement from the curriculum and dropping out of school.

In higher education, as in other areas, there are many measures that can be taken to combat this violence. While raising awareness is essential, awareness campaigns do not always yield tangible results. Identifying the risk factors that are frequently present in situations of violence is a promising approach.

Alcohol, which is often a factor in cases of sexual violence

For reasons related to its psychopharmacological properties, as well as its cultural significance, alcohol is a risk factor for violence, and its role in crimes involving sexual violence has been the subject of numerous studies.

An Irish survey of 6,000 students found, for example, that two-thirds of the victims believed the perpetrator had been drinking alcohol or using drugs immediately before the incident. According to a review of 34 studies, alcohol causally increases the risk of sexual violence regardless of the drinker’s profile.

Finally, in a more recent survey conducted in France among 66,767 college students, the perpetrator was under the influence of alcohol in 62% of attempted sexual assaults and 56% of actual sexual assaults, according to the victims’ estimates. This was the case in 42% of attempted rapes and 43% of actual rapes. When the combined alcohol consumption of both perpetrators and victims is taken into account for each instance of sexual violence, alcohol was a factor in nearly half to two-thirds of sexual assaults.

Increased Vulnerability of the Victim Under the Influence of Alcohol

The amount of alcohol consumed by a potential victim could serve as a genuine selection signal for perpetrators. A systematic observation conducted in bars, pubs, and clubs across North America suggested that, regardless of the alcohol consumption of the individuals approaching her, the more alcohol a woman had consumed, the more intrusive and sexually aggressive male drinkers became through their gestures, comments, refusal to leave her alone, or tendency to grab or touch her inappropriately.

Some studies have focused on the situations young women encounter when they enter college. Alcohol may impair victims’ judgment and ability to defend themselves. Victims are reportedly more likely to engage in risky behavior and, in particular, to have more sexual experiences they perceive as negative when they drink more. And once a certain level of alcohol consumption is reached, the risk appears to increase.

In the 2024 French survey, victims reported having consumed alcohol in 47.5% of attempted sexual assault cases, 44% of sexual assault cases, 35% of rape cases, and 37% of rape cases. Furthermore, victims of rape (or attempted rape) reported in nearly 40% of cases that they had consumed five or more alcoholic drinks.

An analysis of the link between drinking habits and victimization confirmed the significance of chronic alcohol use. Among women in particular, the higher their habitual alcohol consumption, the greater their risk of sexual victimization. For example, 15% of those in the bottom third of the AUDIT questionnaire score distribution (i.e., women with the lowest consumption levels) had been victims of sexual violence, compared with 26% of those in the middle third and 35% of those in the top third.

These figures also highlight the fact that women can be victims of sexual violence even if they drink little or no alcohol. Alcohol appears to act as a factor that increases the likelihood of victimization on several levels: the recognition of risk factors in a given situation, their interpretation, and the appropriate response to that situation.

According to a 1999 study, alcohol appears to impair victims’ ability to react in the event of an assault, to defend themselves, or to leave the scene. One account suggests that after the incident, a victim may feel that alcohol clouded their judgment and increased their vulnerability.

One victim testified: “If I hadn’t been drinking, I would never have left the bar with him. I tried to stop, but I was so drunk and confused.”

What is the extent of alcohol consumption on college campuses?

Research shows that student alcohol consumption on a college campus is cited, along with other factors, as a potential contributor to sexual violence. A 2004 study conducted on 119 U.S. college campuses indicated that, compared to campuses where alcohol consumption was lower, individuals on campuses with higher levels of heavy drinking were at a greater risk of sexual victimization.

Finally, in many cases, the perpetrator and the victim of a sexual assault are in a place frequented by other people. These witnesses may take action that could potentially protect the victim. However, witnesses who have consumed alcohol are less likely to intervene in a risky situation involving people, whether they know them or not.

In conclusion, it appears that alcohol is a major risk factor for sexual victimization in higher education. Although many other important factors are at play, alcohol is a factor that is easier to address in the short term than cultural beliefs or the individual characteristics of perpetrators.

For this reason, institutions that enroll students cannot neglect effective preventive measures, some of which are currently being implemented in French universities under the leadership of the Interministerial Mission to Combat Drugs and Addictive Behaviors (Mildeca).

File a report online
By clicking on the link to the government platform “Stop Violence, ” you can report sexual and gender-based violence online and find an organization to provide support.