OBJECTIVE: To assess how Ohio colleges conform to recommendations that address barriers to reporting sexual assault. PARTICIPANTS: A study sample of Ohio 4-year colleges (N = 105). METHODS: College Web sites were examined between March and November 2011 for their availability of sexual assault policies using 8 measures. RESULTS: Of the colleges in the sample, 66% had an online sexual assault policy. Less than 1% of colleges included definitions for applicable sexual offenses in the Ohio Revised Code. All colleges with a policy included on-campus personnel to whom a victim could report. Approximately 25% and 31% of colleges included confidential or 24/7 reporting options, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Many colleges are failing to offer basic reporting options to victims of sexual assault. Having a clearly labeled sexual assault policy on a campus Web site that includes 24/7 reporting options and defines acts of sexual assault can aid victims in the reporting process.
OBJECTIVE: To assess how Ohio colleges conform to recommendations that address barriers to reporting sexual assault. PARTICIPANTS: A study sample of Ohio 4-year colleges (N = 105). METHODS: College Web sites were examined between March and November 2011 for their availability of sexual assault policies using 8 measures. RESULTS: Of the colleges in the sample, 66% had an online sexual assault policy. Less than 1% of colleges included definitions for applicable sexual offenses in the Ohio Revised Code. All colleges with a policy included on-campus personnel to whom a victim could report. Approximately 25% and 31% of colleges included confidential or 24/7 reporting options, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Many colleges are failing to offer basic reporting options to victims of sexual assault. Having a clearly labeled sexual assault policy on a campus Web site that includes 24/7 reporting options and defines acts of sexual assault can aid victims in the reporting process.