Sexual assault is a highly traumatizing experience and is a serious issue for institutions of higher education. Research studies have found that about half of sexual assaults on college campuses involve a situation in which the perpetrator, the survivor or both were consuming alcohol prior to the assault. The bottom line is that alcohol does not cause sexual assaults, but it can be a contributing factor.

To better understand the relationship between alcohol use and sexual assault, the Maryland Collaborative conducted an evidence review of the scientific literature and created a one-page evidence brief: Sexual Assault and Alcohol: What the Research Evidence Tells Us.

This evidence brief is intended to be a resource for college administrators and their staff as they work to address sexual assaults. Reducing alcohol use among college students is one component of a multi-faceted approach to preventing sexual assault on college campuses.