Sexual Violence Data: Actions Needed to Improve Clarity and Address Differences Across Federal Data Collection Efforts
Abstract
Concerns have grown about sexual violence--in general, unwanted sexual acts--in the United States, particularly involving certain populations such as college students, incarcerated individuals, and military personnel. Data on the occurrence of sexual violence are critical to preventing, addressing, and understanding the consequences of these types of crimes. GAO was asked to identify and compare federal efforts to collect data on sexual violence. This report addresses two questions: (1) What are the federal efforts underway to collect data on sexual violence, and how, if at all, do these efforts differ? (2) How do any differences across the data collection efforts affect the understanding of sexual violence, and to what extent are federal agencies addressing any challenges posed by the differences? GAO reviewed agency documentation and academic literature, and interviewed agency officials.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1171582
Entities
People
- David M. Alexander
- David Plocher
- Diana Maurer
- Eric Hauswirth
- Gretta L. Goodwin
- Janelle House
- Janet Temko-blinder
- Kirsten Leikem
- Kristy Love
- Meghan Squires
- Tim Young
- Tom Jessor
- Tovah Rom
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office