Yesterday, October 24, the Boston University Police Department (BUPD) reported two separate incidents of sexual assault on campus. The university responded with immediate resources and safety measures to protect the community, according to the Boston University Police Department.
An approximate one in five undergraduate women undergo sexual assault attempts or experiences during their college years, according to a National Institute of Justice study.
Universities grapple often with sexual assault incidents being underreported. The Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN), reports that only 20% of female student victims aged 18-24 report sexual assault incidents to law enforcement, according to RAINN. Reasons vary for survivors' reluctance to report cases, from fear of retaliation, to shame, to not recognizing the incident as sexual assault. Initiatives that increase reporting rates generally come with measures such as anonymous reporting options.
Universities are escalating measures to prevent sexual assault occurrence, such as consent education and providing bystander intervention training. Title IX regulations stipulate that federally funded institutions must have sexual assault preventative and response programs. The importance of preventative efforts have accelerated their inclusion in orientation programs and ongoing campus initiatives.
Resources are available for those affected by sexual assault, like the National Sexual Assault Hotline operated by RAINN, available 24/7 at 800-656-HOPE (4673), or by visiting RAINN's website.
