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Abstract: 

This article highlights the harsh realities facing young women who are members of sororities on campuses across the United States. It is well understood that sorority life may bring significant social benefits to its members, but it also comes with a considerable downside—including the fact that, based on previous studies, anywhere between one out of three to one out of two sorority sisters report having been sexually victimized. The present study surveyed Greek and non-Greek affiliated students at a large midwestern university. Information also was collected from focus groups and from members of law enforcement. Results confirmed what has been previously documented: that membership in a sorority is associated with a higher risk of sexual assault. This piece demonstrates the critical importance of developing campus-based programs to protect these potential victims and to enforce sanctions against those who would take advantage of them.

Keywords: Collegiate Sororities and Sexual Assault

Affiliations:  ; 2: Washington State University.