STUDY: 1 in 4 UVA undergrad women sexually assaulted

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (WWBT) - Nearly one in four undergraduate women at the University of Virginia say they were victims of sexual assault or misconduct, according to a new study.

The survey results released by the Association of American Universities on Monday include a number of prominent universities, including UVA. In total more than 150,000 students at 27 schools answered questions about their experiences with sexual assault and sexual misconduct. UVA was the only school from Virginia in the study.

At UVA, 24-percent of undergraduate women said they were victims of non-consensual sexual contact through force or in situations when they were incapacitated and unable to consent, according to the Washington Post. The rate was 5 percent among men.

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The newspaper also reports 11 percent of undergraduate women said they suffered incidents involving non-consensual sexual penetration. Thirty-nine percent of students said sexual assault and misconduct is very or extremely problematic at the school. The survey response rate was 26 percent.

"The survey results provide an important baseline of information that will enable us to measure and track our efforts as we continue to enhance the safety of our community while promoting a culture of respect at the university," U-Va. President Teresa A. Sullivan told the Washington Post. "We work diligently to provide a safe learning and living environment for every member of our community. We have implemented many new initiatives and expanded important resources to enhance the safety of our community. Meaningful change requires sustained effort, so we must continue to strive to improve. I am grateful to the many students who committed their time to complete the survey."