GAO Report Highlights Inconsistencies in Federal Sexual Violence Data Collection
A recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report has highlighted significant inconsistencies in how federal agencies collect and report data on sexual misconduct. This lack of standardization makes it challenging for policymakers and researchers to understand the true extent of the problem and develop effective strategies to combat it.
The GAO found that the Department of Education and Health and Human Services (HHS) use different terms to classify the same incidents of sexual harassment. This variation, along with the Department of Justice (DOJ) recording prison staff sexual abuse differently, leads to 23 different terms being used across various agencies, with overlapping and varying definitions. The result is a confusing landscape that can hinder research and contribute to arguments downplaying the severity of sexual violence or suggesting false reporting.
The GAO report called on federal agencies, including the DOJ, Department of Education, and HHS, to implement standardized data collection. This would provide clear, accessible data to the public and policymakers, enhancing accountability and the effectiveness of efforts to combat sexual assault. The Department of Education, HHS, and Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) were also recommended to publish explanations of their sexual assault reporting terminology to reduce public confusion. Currently, the Department of Education does not collect statistics on certain types of sexual abuse, such as when a victim was made to penetrate someone else.
The GAO also suggests that the Office of Management and Budget establish an interagency forum to improve and harmonize sexual assault statistics collection. Without clear and consistent data, policymakers struggle to understand the scope of sexual assault, make informed decisions, or evaluate prevention programs effectively. The Bureau of Justice Statistics and FBI have previously published explanations of their crime measurement methods, with the Department of Education adopting the FBI's definition of rape in 2014. However, more work is needed to ensure consistency across all federal agencies.
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