TOXIC RELATIONSHIP AMONG CAMPUS STUDENTS

unhealthy relationship can be defined as a relationship where a partner 

controls aspects of the other partner’s life, and it can be abusive, in a psychological, 

physical or sexual way. In the relationship, the person who is getting abused or controlled 

can be described as the “victim.” In an unhealthy relationship, there may be an absence of 

communication, there are lies being told between the two partners as well as excuses to 

others outside the relationship, the “victim” has to justify or tell the one controlling them 

where, when, and why he or she may be doing something or be at a place at a certain time 

on a frequent basis. One of the partners may not disclose information about their dating 

or sexual history to the other, the “victim” may be scared of their partner, a partner can 

neglect themselves and pay all their attention to the other partner, and one may feel 

pressure to meet the standards their partner may have for them. 

sex offenses on campus property or on public property. With all of the national statistics, 

it is questionable why a college campus hasn’t had a report of a sexual offense or rape 

over a span of two years. However, through other research studies, news, and the media it 

is obvious that it is happening. This is relevant to the study since there are likely to be 

unhealthy or abusive relationships on the Providence College campus, but it hasn’t been

formally reported. The researcher wants to explore why college students fail to report 

abuse to the college. This study may contribute valuable information to the Providence 

College campus, specifically to the counseling center.

Why Stay in Unhealthy Relationships?

Given these lasting effects, one may question why anyone would remain in these 

unhealthy relationships. One reason people may stay in an unhealthy relationship is 

because they do not think they will get justice. “Sixty percent of rapes/sexual assaults are

not reported to the police, according to a statistical average of the past 5 years. If a rape is 

reported, there is a 50.8% chance of an arrest. Factoring in unreported rapes, only about 

6% of rapists ever serve a day in jail” (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2006). If there are 

statistics such as this reported, it is very discouraging for a woman or man to report a 

rape. This is also evident in the annual reports issued by Providence College where zero 

incidents of sexual abuse have been reported over the past three years. It does happen, yet 

people fail to report it for various reasons. 

Another reason why people may stay in an unhealthy relationship is that the 

victim often knows their abuser well and is reluctant to report this person and get this 

person in trouble. Most sexual assaults take place between people who know each other. 

A survey conducted on 32 colleges and universities found that 84% of women raped