Columbia University Health Services

College students are in one of the most vulnerable age groups for sexual assault. College life is a string of new experiences: many people are drinking, dating, living in close proximity with possible dating partners, and living away from their parents for the first time. 

Most college students who are sexually assaulted are assaulted by someone they know.   

Many “date rapists” do not think that they have done anything wrong. They may begin with sexual motivation, but when the date does not progress in the way they planned, they may be angry and take what feels right.

Survivors of acquaintance rape may be less likely to report it because they would have to report someone they and their friends know. Survivors may also be less likely to report acquaintance rape because they are afraid they won’t be believed by mutual friends.

Survivors of acquaintance rape may minimize the significance of what happened. Because they were not assaulted by a stranger who attacked them in the middle of the night with a gun (this is what many of us are taught about rapists), they may fear that no one will believe them.  

Spectrum of assault

How can someone be forced into sex without their consent? 

• Physically: By physically overpowering someone, By alcohol or drugs
• Non-physically: Threats, Verbal intimidation, Emotional Coercion: I will break up with you if you do not have sex with me. Financial Coercion, Withholding drugs for sex. 

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Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Program (SVPRP) provides comprehensive and integrated education, support and advocacy about sexual and relationship violence. The program supports survivors and fosters individual and collective action to end sexual and relationship violence. For more information go to the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Program.

The Barnard Columbia Rape Crisis/Anti-Violence Support Center provides peer counseling and advocacy services for survivors and co-survivors of sexual and relationship violence. For more information go to the Barnard-Columbia Rape Crisis/Anti-Violence Support Center.

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