The NSVRC tells us that 40 percent of colleges reported not investigating a sexual assault in the previous five years. Turning away from sexual violence contributes to the epidemic of rape culture on campuses and allows it to fester in the shadows. The rape culture is upheld by objectifying and over sexualizing women’s bodies. This creates a society that neglects women’s safety and disregards women’s rights. Failing to investigate sexual assault is an example of rape culture.
Sexual violence is pervasive. A study conducted by the AAU in 2014 found that 11.7 percent of students across 27 universities reported experiencing nonconsensual sexual contact.
Universities are federally mandated to respond to reports of sexual violence because many cases of sexual violence were ignored and many students received no justice as a result. It seems as though we are more concerned with due process for a perpetrator of rape than the thousands of sexual violence survivors reporting.
According to the OAESV, more than 90 percent of sexual assault victims on college campuses do not report the assault. Common reasons why survivors don’t report include; shame, embarrassment, and fear they won’t be believed.
The NSVRC outlines the cost of sexual violence; annually, rape costs the U.S. more than any other crime ($127 billion), followed by assault, murder and drunk driving.
This is why the federal government applies mandates like Title IX, Clery Act and Campus SaVE act, which are not “unconstitutional procedures mandated by the government” but are change agents toward ending sexual violence.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence you can call your local rape crisis line at 1-877-867-7273 or the national hotline (RAINN) at 800-656-4673.
— Nicole Fairburn, Lima
