Evaluating Personal Safety Within the LGBTQIA+ Campus Community: A Needs Assessment

Background: Violence against sexual and gender minorities is a significant concern on university campuses.

Methods: A needs assessment self-report survey was administered to LGBTQIA+ university campus community members to assess perceptions of vulnerability, interest in, and beliefs related to personal safety/self-defense (PS/SD) training at a public Midwestern university.

Results: Forty-three LGBTQIA+ campus community members responded to the survey. Thirty-six percent of those surveyed reported a history of physical or sexual interpersonal violence. Respondents reported being fearful or occasionally fearful for their personal safety in a variety of day-to-day situations surveyed. Using rideshares, going out alone after dark, and going to parties were some of the most frequently feared situations. Most, 73%, believed that PS/SD training would increase their feelings of overall safety and would improve their ability to defend themselves, with up to 66% expressing interest in attending PS/SD training held in a format of 2-hour sessions occurring weekly.

Conclusions: This survey supports the need for inclusive and accessible PS/SD training tailored to the specific needs of LGBTQIA+ university campus community members to enhance campus safety.