Research Summaries: Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment

The Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) researchers conducted a statewide study earlier this fall to establish a baseline of public perceptions of the awareness, understanding, and attitudes regarding the challenges of Utah women and girls. The survey focused on the five areas of education, community engagement, safety and security, health and well-being, and the workplace.

An 80-item survey was created based on existing literature and survey instruments, and guidance from experts. The baseline data is being used by A Bolder Way Forward (BWF) leaders in each of their areas of focus. Beginning in January and continuing over the next few months, 19 research summaries will be published to provide Utah leaders and residents with insights into Utahns’ current perceptions. 

The UWLP collected data from Oct. 24 to Nov. 30, 2023, and 3,505 Utahns ages 18 and older participated. The following research summaries are being published today: Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Sexual Harassment & Gender-Based Discrimination. The following are highlights of the research summaries that will be used to set goals and metrics for A Bolder Way Forward. The reports are authored by Susan R. Madsen, Founder and Director, Utah Women & Leadership Project, and Inaugural Karen Haight Huntsman Endowed Professor of Leadership.

The following are highlights of the three research summaries that will be used to set goals and metrics for A Bolder Way Forward.

Domestic Violence

One in three Utah women will experience some form of contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in her lifetime.

Survey results included:

• Many Utahns are aware that sexual assault is a disturbing trend in Utah.
• 85% of respondents agree that any unwanted sexual contact or behavior is sexual assault.
• 7% felt they could nothing to help change sexual assault in their communities, while another 21.3% were unsure. Most at least somewhat agreed the could help.
• While 60% of participants agreed at some level that they knew where to find sexual assault resource in their communities, only 15.3% strong agreed.

Through the decades, Utahn’s challenges with domestic violence have not been discussed openly. Yet, the work of hundreds around the state helping survivors of domestic violence and their children has been happening, although many individuals and families seeking shelter have been turned away because of limits to resources and capacity. In the past few years, these concerns have surfaced more publicly, particularly with recent, highly visible tragedies. This study found persistent lack of awareness of the problems, resources, and solutions.

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is a significant issue with one in three Utah women experiencing sexual assault in their lifetimes, and one in six Utah women experienced rape. Utah is ranked 9th out of 50 states for the number of rapes per capita.

Findings include:

• Many Utahns are aware that sexual assault is a disturbing trend in Utah.
• 85% of respondents agree that any unwanted sexual contact or behavior is sexual assault.
• 19.7% felt they could nothing to help change sexual assault in their communities, while another 21.3% were unsure. Most at least somewhat agreed the could help.
• While 60% of participants agreed at some level that they knew where to find sexual assault resource in their communities, only 15.3% strong agreed.

In the past few years, awareness of this significant societal problem has risen. This study found there is still a serious lack of awareness regarding the problem, resources, and solutions. To keep more Utah women and girls safe, the work around awareness building and prevention must catapult forward.

Sexual Harassment & Gender-Based Discrimination

It has been difficult to track current trends and to measure any progress regarding sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination. Four survey items in the current study provided additional insight that will guide changes to improve women’s experiences in the Utah workplace and beyond.

Findings include:

• 83.5% of respondents agree that sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination are problems in Utah.
• 82.3% disagreed that people make a bigger deal out of these two issues than is warranted.
• The findings suggest many are uncertain of what to do if they experience or see others experience sexual harassment and other types of gender-based discrimination.
• Most survey participants do not trust that organizations in Utah would appropriately handle a sexual harassment report. In fact, only 11.1% either agreed or strongly agreed that this was the case.

One of the most troubling findings from this study is that Utah employees, particularly women, do not trust that organizations in the state will appropriately handle a sexual harassment situation if it is reported. Trust is essential if Utah women are going to feel safe, and feeling safe is a critically important component of thriving.

Conclusion

For the eighth year in a row, WalletHub has named Utah as the worst state in the nation for women’s equality.  The overarching of A Bolder Way Forward is to help more Utah girls, women, and families thrive. “When we strengthen the impact of Utah girls and women, we strengthen everyone,” said Madsen.

View full research summaries here.