Collegiate Sororities and Dating Violence An Exploratory Study of Informal and Formal Helping Strategies

Women in collegiate sororities are more at risk for violence within the context of dating relationships than is the general population of college women. Because assaulted women are more likely to turn to their peer networks for support, this study explores the formal and informal helping strategies available to sorority members within the context of their sororities. A total of 35 women representing 17 different sororities participated in 4 focus groups. Although the central finding uncovered how violence is largely omitted from the formal agendas of sororities, community and campus-based programs addressing the Today, collegiate sororities are one of the largest groups of organized women on cam-each of which possibly has hundreds of local s, and hundreds of thousands of alumni. safe times for women on campus. Although a has been accepted in Western countries, an edu-irected toward women larly true for sorority aggression. The capac-lence is a new area of ty members, this studyAuthors ’ Note: This research was supported by the University of Missouri A cation has not proven to be an inoculation against violence d within the context of dating relationships. This is particu women as they often date men from groups at high risk for ity of sororities and their members to respond to dating vio research inquiry. Using focus groups of undergraduate sororipus with 41 national organizations, chapters, thousands of active member As in the past, these are still not woman’s right to a college education Enhancement Award. at PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIV on May 10, 20vaw.sagepub.comDownloaded from i Association Researchissue can build on their sincere interest in helping each other