Sexual assault on college campuses leaves a profound and lasting impact on survivors, affecting their mental health, academic performance, and sense of safety. In this episode, we explore the emotional, psychological, and social toll that survivors often face—such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety—while also addressing the barriers they encounter when seeking support. Through survivor stories and expert commentary, we shed light on the importance of trauma-informed responses and institutional accountability. This episode offers insights into how campuses can better support survivors and foster a culture of safety and healing.

TW: Beyond 1 in 5 wants to acknowledge that this episode contains discussions of sexual assault, particularly in the context of college campuses. Some of the stories shared may be difficult to hear and may be triggering for survivors or those who have experienced trauma. Please take care of yourself while listening. If you need to pause, step away, or skip this episode, that’s okay. You’re not alone, and support is available. If you or someone you know needs help, resources such as RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE or online at rainn.org are available 24/7.

Resources

Carey, Kate B., Alyssa L. Norris, Sarah E. Durney, Robyn L. Shepardson, and Michael P. Carey. "Mental health consequences of sexual assault among first-year college women." Journal of American college health 66, no. 6 (2018): 480-486

Worthen, M. G., & Wallace, S. A. (2021). “Why should I, the one who was raped, be forced to take training in what sexual assault is?” Sexual assault survivors’ and those who know survivors’ responses to a campus sexual assault education program. Journal of interpersonal violence, 36(5-6), NP2640-NP2674