Laurier researchers release campus sexual violence study

Researchers at Wilfrid Laurier University havereleased the results of a two-year study looking at sexual violence on the university's campus.

The study, which was commissioned in 2011 by the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region, is called The Change Project andwas funded through theStatus of WomenCanada, a federal agency which promotes gender equality.

The results of the study were releasedTuesday by its lead researcher,GinetteLafrenire.

Follow our live dispatches from the study press conference

The agencyasked groups across the country to investigate sexual violence on university campuses, and the Sexual Assault Support Centre was among the thoseto take advantage of the opportunity, partnering with theSocial Innovation Research Group atLaurier.

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"Women between the ages of 16 and24 are four times more likely than any other age group to have this experience so it makes sense that our universities and our colleges have a key role to play in terms of addressing sexual violence," said Sara Casselman, public relations and operations manager for the sexual assault centre.

The study included surveys of over 500 students at the local university, and more in-depth interviews with staff, support workers and student leaders.

"Gendered violence on university campuses is a critical issue that demands a collective and committed response," Lafrenire, the researcher,said in a release.

"The purpose ofThe Change Projectwas to enhance our understanding of the nature and extent of gendered violence on our campuses and to provide sound evidence to inform the development of comprehensive strategies to change the culture that enables gendered violence to persist, and to improve support services for survivors."