Sexual assault knowledge among deaf and hard of hearing college students

Previous studies demonstrate that between 50% and 83% of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals will experience sexual assault in their lifetime. Lack of accurate sexuality information has been shown to be a contributing factor to higher sexual assault rates. Numerous studies have found that Deaf and Hard of Hearing students possess lower levels of sexual knowledge than their hearing peers. Insufficient sexuality education, sources of sexuality information, communication and cultural differences have been determined to be barriers to sexual knowledge within this population. The amount of research about sexuality in general in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community is deficient, however, the minimal amount of research specific to sexual violence among Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals is even more inadequate. To gather baseline data among Deaf and Hard of Hearing college students, a sexual assault knowledge survey was developed and distributed. Facts regarding sexual assault and rape myths were addressed within the survey items. Sources of sexuality information and demographics were incorporated to gain a better understanding about sexual knowledge inequities concerning the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. This study will provide a point of reference for future research regarding sexual assault knowledge among Deaf and Hard of Hearing college students.