Navigating Silence: Cultural, Familial, and Immigration Influences on the Sexual Violence Experiences of Asian Female College Students in the University of California System

Background: Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment (SVSH) on college campuses disproportionately affect racially minoritized groups, including Asian female students. These individuals face unique cultural and familial challenges impacting their experiences and help-seeking behaviors. Existing literature highlights barriers such as cultural stigma and the model minority myth, but research specific to this population is limited. Objectives: This study explores the SVSH experiences of Asian female college students and examines how cultural norms, family dynamics, and immigration background influence their responses and access to support services. Methods: Data were collected from all 10 University of California campuses as part of the Double Jeopardy (DJ) project. Fifty-three semi-structured interviews were conducted. A grounded-theory-guided thematic analysis identified key themes, with reflective memos used to capture insights and minimize bias. Results: Findings reveal that cultural norms and family expectations shape Asian female students' responses to SVSH, often reinforcing self-blame and silence of the incidents. Immigration background added complexities, with fears related to legal status and unfamiliarity with SVSH frameworks and existing support services in the United States (U.S.). Mental health stigma and language barriers further contributed to isolation and reluctance to seek help. Despite challenges, participants expressed the need for culturally competent, linguistically appropriate resources. Conclusions: Universities must adopt culturally competent policies, expand multilingual counseling services, and collaborate with community-based organizations to support Asian female survivors. Addressing systemic barriers can foster an inclusive environment that empowers survivors and enhances access to necessary resources.