Population and Subgroup Differences in the Prevalence and Predictors of Campus Sexual Assault, United States, 2016-2021 (ICPSR 39127)
Version Date: Feb 25, 2026 View help for published
Principal Investigator(s): View help for Principal Investigator(s)
Lisa M. Fedina, University of Michigan;
Richard M. Tolman, University of Michigan;
Todd I. Herrenkohl, University of Michigan
https://doi.org/10.3886/ICPSR39127.v1
Version V1
Summary View help for Summary
This secondary data analysis included analyzing pre and post-test intervention data from the Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates (SAPU) online sexual assault prevention education program.
The SAPU data included a large, demographically diverse national sample of college students, allowing for a more in-depth investigation of the prevalence and predictors of sexual assault victimization and perpetration across different types of college campuses. Furthermore, the dataset included contemporaneous measures of unwanted sexual contact victimization and perpetration, dating abuse victimization, and harassment victimization.
The aims for the study included the following:
- Aim 1: Examine variation in school-level prevalence of sexual assault victimization and perpetration by school type, size, and region from academic years (AY) 2016-2017 to 2019-2020.
- Aim 2: Assess subgroup differences (by gender identity, sexual orientation, race) in school-level prevalence of sexual assault victimization and perpetration, accounting for school type, size, region.
- Aim 3: Investigate the relationship between attitudes and perceptions of campus norms and self-reports of sexual assault victimization and perpetration, accounting for precampus sexual assault and individual demographics and school characteristics (type, size, region).
- Aim 4: Examine variation in the relationship between attitudes and perceptions of campus norms and self-reports of sexual assault victimization and perpetration by subgroups (gender identity, sexual orientation, race), accounting for precampus sexual assault and individual and school characteristics (type, size, region).
- Aim 5: Examine variation in bystander intentions, efficacy, and behaviors and self-reports of sexual assault victimization and perpetration by subgroups (gender identity, sexual orientation, race), accounting for attitudes, perceptions of campus norms, and precampus sexual assault, as well as individual and school characteristics (type, size, region).
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Date of Collection View help for Date of Collection
Data Collection Notes View help for Data Collection Notes
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This release does not include data. However, the released document contains instructions on how to obtain the data from Vector Solutions, which manages the Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates (SAPU) online prevention program.
Study Purpose View help for Study Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and predictors of sexual assault victimization and perpetration across college campuses.
Study Design View help for Study Design
The secondary analysis of this study included a partnership with Vector Solutions, which manages the Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates (SAPU) online prevention program. The SAPU dataset consisted of pre and post-intervention data. Students from nearly 400 schools within all 50 states of the U.S. were included. Most participants were on campuses that require freshman, transfer, and new graduate students to complete the program prior to matriculation. Students completed pre-intervention (T1) and post-intervention (T2) surveys. Students completed the pre-intervention survey before accessing SAPU content, typically prior to the time they arrived on campus for their first year. After completion, and generally after they have started the fall semester, students were invited to complete the T2 survey.
Sample View help for Sample
The Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates (SAPU) program included public and private institutions and two year and four year colleges with varying sizes of enrollment. SAPU data are collected annually each academic year:
- For the Academic year of 2020-2021, the participant sample size was 670,855.
- For the Academic year of 2019-2020, the participant sample size was 773,102.
- For the Academic year of 2018-2019, the participant sample size was 660,822.
- For the Academic year of 2017-2018, the participant sample size was 915,387.
- For the Academic year of 2016-2017, the participant sample size was 666,571.
Time Method View help for Time Method
Universe View help for Universe
Entering college students at universities to whom the Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergrads (SAPU) online intervention was delivered across 50 states in the U.S.
Unit(s) of Observation View help for Unit(s) of Observation
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Description of Variables View help for Description of Variables
The referenced data included measures of unwanted sexual contact victimization, dating abuse victimization, harassment victimization, and unwanted sexual contact perpetration, as well as measures of campus social norms, attitudes, and bystander behavior.
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The public-use data files in this collection are available for access by the general public. Access does not require affiliation with an ICPSR member institution.
ICPSR usually offers files in multiple formats for researchers to be able to access data and documentation in formats that work well within their needs. If you have questions about the accessibility of materials distributed by ICPSR or require further assistance, please visit ICPSR’s Accessibility Center.
This dataset is maintained and distributed by the National Archive of Criminal Justice Data (NACJD), the criminal justice archive within ICPSR. NACJD is primarily sponsored by three agencies within the U.S. Department of Justice: the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.