In a previous blog, The Rise of Sexual Assault on Campus, many questions were raised to find research on an epidemic in our country. Sexual Assaults on Universities and Campuses are increasing at an alarming rate. The Questions answered were what Research is out there? Why are the Sexual Assaults reported less or not reported at all? How is the Safety at UNCW? and How was the Research beneficial in answering those questions. The Government is taking a stand so that survivors don't have to suffer in silence, can get support, and bring justice. The Research did not correlate the gender differences in the assaults and provided many statistics which can help us see where UNCW stands on being a safe school.
New Questions
In this research blog I would like to correlate how sexual assault affects men and women. What are the statistics? Are women more likely than men the victims of sexual assault? Are the rates among women higher than men? With the research of others, It has been stated in the recent blog" Rise of Sexual Assault on Campus" that most sexual assaults are unreported. Many college students have been asked to account their experience allowing them to be anonymous. This has helped research find out what really happens at school campuses.In a study of crime victimization and fear, " Sexual violence among college students is a significant public health concern...however, few have examined how female experiences of victimization differ from those of male victims." Hines, et al. (2012)
Statistics
- Women and girls are the majority of victims with 1 in 5(almost 22 million) having been raped in lifetime. NISVS (2010)
- 6% of male college students are assaulted each year on campuses. Proquest Journal. (2014)
- Men and Boys are also at risk: 1 in 71 men (1.6 million) have been raped. NISVS (2010)
- Among college women, 9 in 10 victims of rape and sexual assault knew offender. NIJ (2000)
- It is estimated that percentage of completed or attempted rape victimization among women in higher educational institutions may be between 20% and 25% over the course of a college career. NIJ (2000)
- less than 5% of completed or attempted rapes against college women were reported to law enforcement. However, in 2/3rds of the incidents the victim did tell another person, usually a friend, not family or school officials. NIJ (2000)
Crime Disclosure
As a country we need to increase the awareness of Sexual Assaults. "Reporting rates for campus sexual assaults are also very low: on average 12% of student victims report the assault to law enforcement." Kilpatrick, et. al (2007) Universities and Campuses usually deter assault victims from reporting due to a possibility of it being public record. This can haunt the victim later because of more inevitable questioning and going to the hospital to get examined. Shame is felt but shouldn't be the victims fault. The Federal Act below is controlled by the Department of Education and requires all colleges to report crimes.
So where do we go from here?
There is so much more to learn about the topic of Sexual Assaults. It is very prevalent on campuses probably due to the party scenes. To be safe we have to watch what area we walk in, who we trust and hang out with, and find resources and services for survivors. Many of the statistics involve higher assaults affecting women but is leaning toward a neutral based study. Yes the numbers show a much higher victimization rate on women, but men are reporting assaults as well.
UNCW doesn't have a gender based statistics available because most of the assaults are anonymous. With that being said, UNCW is reforming how survivors can access programs with confidentiality along with feeling safe about reporting the crime. The Government has help schools like UNCW with grants and funding to help with Counseling programs. Again, many survivors have future effects including physical or mental problems. To live a healthy life after a traumatic event is rare. Flashbacks can occur and most survivors live in pain. With research and many victims standing up, those that are silenced can escape the fear and know their are others to talk to. UNCW is taking precautions and will be a future school of choice because of the safety here.
HELP
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted seek Help. Call 911, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE(4673)/ Free. Confidential. 24/7.
References
Black, M.C., Basile, K.C., Brieding, M.J., Smith, S.G., Walters, M.L., Merrick, M.T., Chen, J., and Stevens, M.R. (2011) The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) : 2010 Summary Report. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Fisher, B.S., Cullen, F.T., & Turner, M.G. (2000) The Sexual Victimization of College Women. National Institute of Justice (NIJ), Bureau of Justice Statistics.
Fisher, B.S., Cullen, F.T., & Turner, M.G. (2000) The Sexual Victimization of College Women. National Institute of Justice (NIJ), Bureau of Justice Statistics.
Hines, Denise A; Armstrong, Jessica L; Reed, Kathleen. (2012) Gender differences in sexual assault: among college students.Violence and Victims. 27.6 p.922-40
Jeanne Clery Act. http://clerycenter.org/summary-jeanne-clery-act
Kilpatrick, D.G., Resnick, H.S., Ruggiero, K.J., Conoscenti, L.M., and McCauley, J. (2007) Drug facilitated, incapacitated, and forcible rape: A national study (NCJ219181). Charleston, SC: Medical University of South Carolina, National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center.
President Obama's Speech at the Grammy Awards. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYDOHntXrhk
Shusterman, S. (2014, September 15) New policy addresses sexual assault and prevention methods. The Ticker. Retrieved from http://0-search.proquest.com.libcat.uncw.edu/docview/1562027174accountid=14606
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