Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Universities: How to reduce violence, survivor trauma, and hold perpetrators accountable

Sunday, August 3, 2025, 4:50 PM

Session: Student Poster Session A (In Person Only)

Gender-based violence is a prevalent problem on college campuses and has great impact students’ academic performance, physical and mental health, and overall well-being. While there are currently numerous ideas and initiatives to address gender-based violence, it is difficult to understand which one(s) are effective, and to what extent. Title IX offices specifically are one approach in Universities, currently required by law, to support survivors of gender-based violence, yet in effect Title IX procedures retraumatizes survivors and does not lead to justice and accountability. I built a systems dynamics model to understand to what extent various policies would reduce violence and survivor trauma, while providing justice and accountability. The results suggest that improving the Title IX procedures on its own will not suffice; a holistic approach that also involves trauma reduction services and cultural change is necessary.