Sexual Assault in College Athletics: More Than 1 in 4 College Athletes Face Sexual Misconduct
Sexual violence is widespread on college campuses, and student‑athletes live inside that same environment – often with added pressure and power dynamics. National RAINN data show that 13% of all college students experience rape or sexual assault, with undergraduate women at even higher risk. These numbers reflect reported experiences; the real rates are almost certainly higher because sexual assault is heavily underreported.
The Prevalence of Sexual Assault Among College Athletes
Student-athletes often operate inside rigid power hierarchies: coaches, athletic directors, trainers, and academic advisors can influence playing time, starting positions, academic accommodations, and scholarship status. These dynamics can make them particularly vulnerable to sexual violence, harassment, and abuse of power. Recent studies reveal:
More than one in four college athletes have reported being sexually assaulted or harassed by a campus authority figure, usually a coach or professor.
83% of athletes know of at least one other student who has experienced inappropriate conduct from campus authorities.
Among NCAA Division I student-athletes, 29% have experienced some type of sexual violence since enrolling, with higher prevalence among athletes on women’s teams (36%) compared to men’s teams (13%).
Barriers to Reporting Sexual Assault in College Athletics
Fear of the consequences is one of the biggest reasons athletes stay silent. In one national survey:
39% said they did not report inappropriate sexual conduct because they were afraid of retaliation that could affect their grades, athletic career, or team status.
29% feared losing their scholarship entirely.
On top of that, another study of NCAA D1 student-athletes shows that awareness of reporting processes remains low:
Only 20% felt knowledgeable about where to report sexual violence.
Only 10% understood what happens after a report is filed.
Just 9% of athletes who experienced sexual violence submitted a formal report to their institution.
Why You Should Not Navigate This Alone: The Role of an Outside Title IX Attorney
If you’re a student-athlete who has experienced sexual assault or misconduct, you may already feel conflicted about reporting, worried about your team, your coach, your scholarship, or your future career. These fears are valid. But you don’t have to handle any of this on your own.
Schools are required to provide you with an advisor during the Title IX process, but that advisor works for the school, not for you. Their role is limited, and they cannot offer independent legal advice, advocate for your interests, or challenge institutional decisions.
Here’s how independent counsel helps you:
Understand your rights and options
Prepare you for interviews and hearings
Ensure your school follows federal law and its own policies
Protect you from retaliation
Push for supportive measures (no-contact orders, schedule changes, housing changes)
Advocate for your academic and athletic future
File a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), if needed
Guide you on whether to pursue a criminal case or civil action
Most importantly, your attorney works only for you, not your school, not your athletic department, and not your coach.
How Can Christine Brown & Partners Help?
Reporting sexual assault is incredibly difficult, especially when you’re a student-athlete with a full academic and athletic load and a future career on the line. But you do not have to navigate this alone. Christine Brown & Partners can guide you, advocate for you, and ensure your school meets its obligations. Your safety, your future, and your voice matter. You deserve an advocate who understands both Title IX law and the unique pressures athletes face.
