Images

Tiffini Vo, Psy.D., is a 2026 graduate of the Psy.D. Program in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University, New England

Dissertation Committee:

  • Rachel Chickerella, PhD, Chairperson
  • Katherine Evarts, PsyD, Committee Member
  • Bryana White, PhD, Committee Member
  • Alicia MacDougall, PsyD, Committee Member

candid photo of Tiffini Vo

Dr. Tiffini Vo

Keywords

sexual violence, campus sexual assault, mental health, Title IX, institutional betrayal, BIPOC, restorative justice, social justice, agency, trauma-informed, survivor-centered, qualitative research, interpretative phenomenological analysis

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

Sexual violence is among the most common crimes on college campuses. Nearly one in four undergraduate women experience sexual violence during college, yet reporting remains low (Spencer et al., 2020). Some students avoided reporting because of fear of criticism, backlash, blame, and shame (Lorenz et al., 2023). These responses not only influence reporting decisions but can also contribute to persistent psychological harm. A common consequence of sexual assault is the survivor developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depressive and anxiety symptoms, and suicidality, demonstrating the severity of the crime perpetrated against them (Rothman et al., 2021). Even more so, those who experienced sexual violence and went through the Title IX investigation process reported that the process was “traumatizing” (Lorenz et al., 2022, p. 14). Title IX has undergone several reconstructions over the years, including the implementation of the Dear Colleague Letter and the Questions and Answers on Title IX and Sexual Violence (Q&A) under the Obama-era administration, later to be rescinded under Trump’s presidency (Carter, 2021). There are only limited studies that examine the experiences that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) face following a sexual violent incident, let alone their experience after reporting the incident to the police or to the Title IX office. Thus, this study seeks to understand the experiences of institutional support among BIPOC women following reports of sexual assault while they were in college, and to explore ways the process may improve to better or further support their needs. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

Comments

ORCID iD: 0009-0008-9368-4005

 

Bio:

Bio: 

Tiffini Vo is deeply passionate about creating change that promotes equity and supports marginalized communities. Her dissertation focuses on understanding the unique challenges and supports that BIPOC women experience after reporting their survival of a sexual assault. As a woman of color herself, she is especially committed to uplifting marginalized voices and believes that creating space for individuals to share their stories is a powerful step toward healing, validation, and systemic change.

As a clinician, Tiffini values creating a space where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported as they explore their identities, deepen their self-understanding, and grow into the person they envision themselves to be. Her clinical approach is grounded in Relational-Cultural Theory, while remaining flexible and integrative in using other therapeutic approaches to best support her clients.

Tiffini’s work is guided by her values of connection, authenticity, and social justice. She hopes that her research and clinical work will empower others to feel safe expressing themselves and sharing their stories, particularly during times when community and support are needed most.

Download

Share

COinS