College student perceptions of institutional responses to sexual assault reporting and general help-seeking intentions

Objective: College students are a high-risk population for sexual assault exposure. This study examines 1) sociodemographic differences in student perceptions of institutions of higher education (IHEs) responses to sexual assault reporting and 2) the relationship between student perceptions, knowledge of campus sexual assault (CSA) services, and general help-seeking intentions. Participants: A sample of 1,648 college students completing an online survey during the 2016–2017 academic year. Methods: A secondary analysis of data from the Healthy Minds Study. Results: Transgender/nonconforming, sexual minority, and domestic students held more negative perceptions of IHEs. Positive perceptions were significantly associated with increased odds for both formal (odds ratio [OR] = 1.09, p <.05) and informal help-seeking intentions (OR = 1.05, p <.05). Knowledge of CSA services did not significantly moderate the relationship between perceptions of IHEs’ responses and help-seeking intentions. Conclusions: Student perceptions of their IHEs vary based on aspects of identity and may contribute to general help-seeking.