A mixed method examination of support for two college sexual assault mandatory reporting policy approaches

A compelled disclosure mandatory reporting policy approach requires all or nearly all university employees to report any sexual assault they learn about to university officials, regardless of the victim/survivor's wishes. Although rare, some universities have implemented policies that require the victim/survivor's consent to the report (i.e., consented disclosure). This mixed method study examined support for a compelled disclosure versus consented disclosure policy approach in a sample of college students (n = 640) and non-student adults (n = 405). Quantitative data examined whether sexual victimization and trust in university response to sexual assault reports were associated with policy preference. Qualitative data examined participants’ explanations for their policy preference. Most participants preferred consented over compelled disclosure, and college students and those with less trust in university response to reports were especially likely to support consented disclosure. Reasons for supporting consented disclosure predominantly centered on survivors, focusing on the importance of survivor choice and wellbeing. Those who supported compelled disclosure predominantly focused on individuals other than the survivor (e.g., the perpetrator, other students), personal beliefs about crime and punishment, and assumptions about the benefits of compelled disclosure. Findings highlight the importance of including a greater diversity of perspectives in mandatory reporting policy development.