Keywords
assessment, college health, mental health, recovery, violence prevention
Word Count
4999
Document Type
Research Studies
Abstract
Background: College-age students are at risk for violence, and these victimizations can affect academic performance and outcomes.
Purpose: The purpose of the current project was to gather information about violence prevention and response in higher education to inform resources and programming delivered to students through an institutional office in the Division of Student Affairs.
Methods: The project was guided by a social-ecological framework. Seven focus groups were conducted with 31 students.
Results: Students identified key issues affecting violence prevention, including personal and relational barriers; limited awareness and access to campus resources; emotional and mental health impacts; and the need for stronger institutional support through visible, culturally competent services and trusted relationships with campus authorities. Students also offered suggestions for campus efforts in response.
Conclusion: The findings underscore the necessity to review organizational influence, gain an understanding of the impacts of relationships on reporting and help-seeking behaviors of students, and recognize the impact emotions have on students’ perceptions and choices to act as a bystander.
Recommended Citation
Pylate, L. B.,
Knight, L. D.,
Subedi, S.,
&
Roby, E. Y.
(2026). “I’m Going to Get Help”: Violence Prevention and Response Assessment in Higher Education.
Journal of Public Health in the Deep South, 6(1), 7.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55533/2996-6833.1128