Higher Education: Options That May Help Survivors of Sexual Violence Continue Their Education and Manage Federal Student Loans

Fast Facts

Sexual violence is traumatic for all survivors—and those in college may suffer academic and financial consequences.

We interviewed officials from 4 colleges and 8 organizations that represent survivors of sexual violence, student loan borrowers, and colleges. They said policies and practices like these can help students continue education after trauma:

• mental health counseling or referrals
• no-contact orders, campus escorts, and housing changes
• leaves of absence, assignment extensions, and flexible grading

The Department of Education also has loan postponement and repayment options that can help survivors manage their federal student loans.

Highlights

All four colleges GAO selected offered a mix of policies and practices to help address mental health, safety, and academic needs for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking (see figure). Stakeholders GAO interviewed from the four colleges and eight organizations representing survivors, student loan borrowers, and colleges generally said these policies and practices can help survivors continue their college education.

• Mental health needs. All four colleges offered mental health services on campus or referrals to services off campus. Several stakeholders cited the importance of addressing survivors’ mental health needs.
• Safety needs. All four colleges offered protective measures, such as no-contact orders and housing changes, to help survivors manage their interactions. Most stakeholders identified safety needs as a priority.
• Academic needs. All four colleges offered adjustments to courses, leaves of absence or withdrawals, and flexible transfer policies, which most stakeholders said can help survivors continue their education.

Full Report

Why GAO Did This Study

According to research, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking can have significant consequences on survivors. Survivors who were enrolled in college when the trauma occurred may experience both academic and financial consequences. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, includes a provision for GAO to review issues related to the impact of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking on survivors’ ability to continue their education and repay their federal student loans.

This report describes (1) policies and practices selected colleges have to help survivors continue their education and (2) repayment options that can help eligible survivors manage their federal student loans.

GAO reviewed documentation from Education and its loan servicers. GAO selected four colleges based on size (small, mid-size, and large), sector (public, private not-for-profit, private for-profit), program length (2-year and 4-year), and other factors. GAO also interviewed Education officials and 12 stakeholders, including administrators from the four colleges and representatives from eight organizations representing survivors, student loan borrowers, and colleges. GAO also reviewed relevant federal laws and regulations.

For more information, contact Melissa Emrey-Arras at (617) 788-0534 or emreyarrasm@gao.gov.

GAO Contacts

Topics

Student loan repayment, Sexual violence, Higher education, Students, Student loans, Sexual assaults, Stalking, Domestic violence, Mental health, Laws and regulations

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
• SDG 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.
• SDG 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
• SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 3.4: Prevalence of mental health disorders.
• Indicator for SDG 4.3: Proportion of women and men aged 15 years and older who have achieved at least a fixed level of proficiency in digital literacy skills.
• Indicator for SDG 5.2: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months.
• Indicator for SDG 10.2: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and disability status.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: gao.gov

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.