Sexual Assaults on College Campuses Sexual assault refers to sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the consent of the victim. Examples of this type of behavior include rape, forcing one to perform sexual actions, unwanted sexual touching, or even verbal threats. Today, sexual assault is continuing to grow as an epidemic on college campuses and many students lack the knowledge and awareness of this problem. Almost 100 colleges and universities reported at least 10 cases of rape on the main campuses in 2014 (Anderson). “Many reports claim that approximately 95% of all U.S. campus sexual assaults go unreported (Realities).” Under-reporting reflects a need for increased campus prevention and support systems. Campus sexual assault
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Universities including NIU, Northwestern, and UIC are taking action by providing self-defense programs, holding social media campaigns, and installing police security systems (Sargent). Educators of many public institutions seek to reduce the risk of sexual assault of women by informing students about sexual assault and providing self-defense training. Many universities and colleges have adapted bystander intervention programs in order to prevent campus sexual assault. Bystanders witness the problem of sexual assault, while responsive bystanders intervene in response to risk for harm (Maiuro 183-184). Many bystander programs have emerged in order to educate participants about prevalence rates, indications of high risk situations, and how they can promote safety. “Approximately 75% of four year academic institutions have employed armed officers. One in five women and one in 16 men are sexually assaulted while in college; however, only 20 percent of female victims report to law enforcement (Campus).” With this being said, most sexual assault victims do not report the assault on college campuses. “In most cases victims go into a stage of self-blaming with some common symptoms of depression, social isolation, or low self-esteem (Mendoza).” Some may not report because of not knowing if the experience was a …show more content…
However, even though the woman may be intoxicated that does not excuse the crime of sexual assault (Nesbit). It is the responsibility of the college or university to make campuses safer for everyone. Many students believe that because of the sexual assault prevention programs that many campuses are providing, that campus sexual assault is no longer an issue. This is not the case because even though knowledge is important, these programs are not preventing people from perpetuating sexual violence (Howard). A one-time program cannot expect a huge difference from the
Universities including NIU, Northwestern, and UIC are taking action by providing self-defense programs, holding social media campaigns, and installing police security systems (Sargent). Educators of many public institutions seek to reduce the risk of sexual assault of women by informing students about sexual assault and providing self-defense training. Many universities and colleges have adapted bystander intervention programs in order to prevent campus sexual assault. Bystanders witness the problem of sexual assault, while responsive bystanders intervene in response to risk for harm (Maiuro 183-184). Many bystander programs have emerged in order to educate participants about prevalence rates, indications of high risk situations, and how they can promote safety. “Approximately 75% of four year academic institutions have employed armed officers. One in five women and one in 16 men are sexually assaulted while in college; however, only 20 percent of female victims report to law enforcement (Campus).” With this being said, most sexual assault victims do not report the assault on college campuses. “In most cases victims go into a stage of self-blaming with some common symptoms of depression, social isolation, or low self-esteem (Mendoza).” Some may not report because of not knowing if the experience was a …show more content…
However, even though the woman may be intoxicated that does not excuse the crime of sexual assault (Nesbit). It is the responsibility of the college or university to make campuses safer for everyone. Many students believe that because of the sexual assault prevention programs that many campuses are providing, that campus sexual assault is no longer an issue. This is not the case because even though knowledge is important, these programs are not preventing people from perpetuating sexual violence (Howard). A one-time program cannot expect a huge difference from the