Findings

Congress finds the following: (1) Campus sexual assault remains a pervasive issue on the campuses of institutions of higher education across the United States and negatively impacts student survivors’ academic outcomes. (2) Sexual assault is one of the biggest risk factors for developing post-traumatic stress disorder, which is associated with decreased neurocognitive functioning that makes learning and retaining information difficult. (3) Individuals impacted by trauma can often experience residual effects such as substance use disorders, suicidal ideation, personality disorders, depression, and anxiety, as well as other possible mental health challenges that can significantly impact academic performance or success and overall well-being. (4) Studies have shown that student survivors are more likely to have lower grade point averages, have difficulty with self-regulated learning, and are ultimately more likely to drop out of their institution of higher education. (5) Considering the relationship between sexual assault and negative academic outcomes, institutions of higher education should provide these students not only with mental health services, but also with targeted academic support to counter their increased risk for negative academic outcomes. (6) Patient-centered academic counseling and tutoring programs can be powerful tools to better support student survivors, improve their higher education retention rates, and ultimately support their educational success.