Vinda Maya Setianingrum, Ismi Dwi Astuti Nurhaeni, Prahastiwi Utari, Andre Noevi Rahmanto, Pramana Pramana
Sexual violence in higher education poses a serious threat to campus safety, institutional integrity, and public trust. Although national regulations in Indonesia mandate preventive and handling mechanisms, their effectiveness largely depends on how communication is managed within universities. This study examines communication management in the prevention, handling, and crisis response to sexual violence in higher education institutions. Using a qualitative multiple case study approach, the research focuses on Universitas Andalas, Universitas Riau, and Universitas Indonesia. Data were collected through observation, document analysis, in-depth interviews with the Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence members, university leaders, lecturers, staff, students, and public relations officers, complemented by Social Network Analysis. Data were analyzed using pattern matching and validated through triangulation. The study is grounded in the Communicative Constitution of Organizations perspective, particularly the Four Flows model, and Rhetorical Arena Theory to examine crisis communication. Findings indicate that proactive and multi-channel communication strengthens prevention, while integrated internal communication supports transparent and victim-centered case handling. Open and empathetic crisis communication enhances institutional resilience and public trust. This study offers a communication-based framework to improve sexual violence governance in higher education. © 2026 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Communication Department, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia; Public Administration Department, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia; Communication Department, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia
