Prevent Campus Sexual Violence & Empower Survivors

In 2022, we've conducted research on the connection between campus sexual violence and student loans. We surveyed 88 survivors about the effect that sexual violence had on their student loans. We are continuing this research in 2023 and have published our findings thus far. Our research has also been featured in Teen Vogue and NBC.

As a result of campus sexual violence, many students face increased student debt and/or more difficulty paying off their loans. Our research found that over 80% of victims of campus sexual assault are burdened with student loans. 

Many survivors of campus sexual violence have to retake courses after withdrawing from classes to recover, taking medical leave, or falling behind and failing as a result of trauma. Survivors can lose their scholarships because they change programs or leave extracurriculars, like sports, in order to avoid their attacker or to take time to process their trauma. Others lose their scholarship because it takes them longer to graduate or they have to retake courses. 

Some survivors of campus sexual violence are forced to drop out due to PTSD, feeling unsafe, or processing the trauma. They often struggle to find financial security because they do not have their degree. Many survivors discussed the emotional turmoil of being forced to pay the institution that failed to protect them.

For many survivors, student debt is a burden that prevents them from moving on with their lives. 77.9% percent of our survey participants believe that all student loans should be canceled. Unfortunately, any loan forgiveness program that is limited to survivors would require proof of some kind. This will exclude most survivors. Sexual violence is the most unreported crime, and on college campuses, less than 20% of sexual assault is reported. Furthermore, survivors don’t want to relive their trauma and are scared they won’t be believed. The only option is to cancel student debt for all.

If sexual violence affected your student loans, you can share your experiences here. To learn more, you can follow our research and our campaign #SVStudentLoans on social media! 

Your continued support of our research and advocacy empowers us to prevent sexual violence for thousands of people across the country. Thank you!