“Hey, I Need Help”: Student-Survivor Perceptions of Engagement With Title IX

Interpersonal violence on college campuses disrupts academic experiences and impacts outcomes for students. This study sought to understand the experiences of students in the United States engaging with Title IX offices, within the context of additional state mandates. Interviews were conducted with 24 students and analyzed through inductive content analysis. Students described negative impacts such as challenges with the organizational processes, impacts to institutional trust, frustration with ineffective protections, and high personal and academic costs. Positive outcomes expressed included feeling more empowered to engage in self-advocacy and finding validation of their experience. Recommendations for promising university violence response practices are included.