Nicole Were2026-08-242026-08-242026-06-01https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12311/3585This study used Uganda Christian University as a point of focus to gather information that explained the emotional and physical factors that discourage university students to seek help after experiencing sexual violence. Both qualitative and quantitative have been utilized as a mixed methods approach. Structured questionnaires were given to participating students to respond to, to be support gathering of quantitative data. Key informant interviews with university administrators and other staff along with review of the student handbook were used to collect qualitative data. Of the 59 respondents, 36 reported to have experienced sexual violence. The outcomes of the study indicated that if help was sought, most respondents who did depended on informal support networks consisting of friends and family. Major barriers to help-seeking were determined to be physical barriers such as lack of proof and delayed reporting and also emotional barriers such as being afraid of judgement, blaming oneself and fear of retaliation. The study also clarifies the reason as to why there were no formally documented incidents of sexual violence in the records with university offices. Especially with existing institutional policies and support systems, the clarification indicated underreporting. The study’s findings emphasize the need for greater awareness, more convenient access to sources of support and more strategies centered around survivors as a way to promote students help-seeking intentions and actions.enDissertation