Nearly 1 in 5 university students report recent violence: study

Importantly, Saewyc said most students reported that the violence had occurred when alcohol was involved. One in three women and nearly two-thirds of men reported they had been drinking when a violent act occurred.

While there are many university campaigns centred on the dangers of drinking and driving, and some on alcoholism, schools lack awareness campaigns about more immediate risks like an increase in the likelihood of violence, Saewyc said.

“Even party drinking can create some risks and you should be aware of that.”

“These are young people who are not drinking heavily like alcoholics. These are young people who are maybe getting drunk once on the weekend or at a party but they’re still at risk for experiencing violence and that can really change your life.”

Sexual assaults reported in 2007 at York University in Toronto and Carleton University in Ottawa brought attention to the issue of violence on university campuses.

Carleton responded with an internal safety audit which resulted in a $1.6-million campus security upgrade for measures like adding surveillance cameras, emergency phones and safe paths, said Beth Gorham, the university’s manager of public affairs.

Since then, there’s been a 40 per cent decline in violent incidents on campus.

“It’s been very successful in terms of making people aware of issues and encouraging a climate of safety and feeling of comfort.”

But Saewyc said walking down that dark path is not necessarily what should instil fear in students, but “when you open the door at the end.”

One in four incidents of violence reported were perpetrated by romantic partners, while stranger violence was far less common.

“Part of the challenge of security measures is they’re great if you’re talking about stranger violence or a fight that erupts at a big party or bar brawl,” Saewyc said.

“But a fair amount of violence is among romantic partners or roommates. It’s taking place between two people behind closed doors and it’s not going to show up on video cameras.”

- The Canadian Press