Bisexual women are the most susceptible group to sexual assault in college, according to a new study from Violence and Gender. The study found that almost two out of every five college-aged women who identifies as bisexual reported being sexually assaulted during their four years away at school.
These numbers differ from the approximately “one in four gay and bisexual men, similar to the rate of heterosexual women, and one in eight heterosexual men” who experience sexual assault, says Refinery29, who first reported on the emergence of the study.
Refinery29 spoke to expert and co-founder of the Bisexual Resource Center, Kate Estrop, who said, “bi folks are seen as greedy, sex-driven, unable to form committed relationships, and prone at any moment to change their minds about their attractions.” These unfortunate misconceptions result in a toxic, victim-blaming culture for bisexual people, especially women. As a consequence, their experiences like sexual assault and rape can be minimized or simply ignored.
The study also found that involvement in Greek life at college, as well as increased participation in “college hookup culture” were positively correlated with instances of sexual assault. According to Violence and Gender editor-in-chief Dr. Mary Ellen O’Toole in a statement on the significance of the study, “To really understand the breadth and depth of this problem, it is critical to understand the victimology of sexual assault, and that it includes all students, not just heterosexual females.”
Through catcalling, slut-shaming and the virgin/whore dichotomy, women are often unfairly portrayed as “asking for it” and therefore deserving of any and all consequences. However, sexual assault and rape are not consequences – they are crimes.
This study and its repercussions are yet another indication that our society’s rape and victim-blaming culture need to be put to an end. This means not only that perpetrators must be held accountable, but also that we need to drastically change the way our world views women and their worth, regardless of how they identify.