In the overtly sexual environment that is Las Vegas, sexual assault is a crime that is a challenge to prevent. Research on children, young adults and the community show higher than average rates of sexual assault in Las Vegas, NV.
Research Paper: Sexual victimization in Sin City (2010): KennedyDooleyTaylor2010
Abstract:
Las Vegas, Nevada sells sex without much discussion of the potential negative consequences to this overtly sexual environment. This paper will look at rates of sexual assault in this self-described adult playground. Criminal justice professionals in Las Vegas acknowledge struggling with elevated rates of sexual victimization. Assault rates were considered through multiple sources of data. Federal data suggests that Las Vegas has high rates for a city of its size, higher than other cities with a similar focus on tourism. Sexual victimization reported at the college level was also higher than seen at other campuses, suggesting that the risk of victimization is city wide. The sex drive of college students in Las Vegas was also examined.
Research Paper: Online harassment and victimization of college students (2010)
Link: Justice Policy Journal 7(1)
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of victimization occurring through social networking sites. Information was also sought on the internet behavior of college students. Data were collected from 354 college students from September 2007 through April 2008. Anonymous, self-report surveys were completed polling experiences with harassment, stalking, and sexual assault. Analyses showed that the majority of victimization types were reported infrequently, while rates of sexual assault overall were quite high compared to prior research. The types of victimization varied by where they were occurring — online or offline. Acts such as verbal harassment, pestering, unwanted behaviors, and sexual harassment were all fairly prevalent online, while other victimizations, such as being threatened or stalked, occurred more offline. The rates of victimization initiated through online contact suggest that although social networking sites may provide opportunities for certain types of victimization, college students are still at a greater risk from people they meet offline.