Campus Safety

University and College Campuses should be safe places for young adults to pursue their goals and advance their careers. The Campus becomes almost a second-home to those attending and living there. Feeling safe is important, and there are things we can do to safeguard ourselves. Studies show that campus sexual assault has become alarmingly prevalent among students, even more prevalent than other crimes. No matter how safe we feel, there are unfortunately some people who seek take advantage of others. Because the issue is so prevalent, it is important to learn what steps to take for personal safety, how to take action as a bystander, and how to lead your community in awareness. It is helpful to know what to do if you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault or violence including where to locate help after an assault, and how to support a victim who has been assaulted. We hope to help our community learn how to be alert and vigilant. Please see our tips, and visit the linked sites below for further information.

statistics*

11.2% of all students experience rape or sexual assault through physical force, violence, or incapacitated (among all graduate and undergraduate students).

Among graduate and professional students, 8.8% of females and 2.2% of males experience rape or sexual assault through physical force, violence, or incapacitation.

Among undergraduate students, 23.1% of females and 5.4% of males experience rape or sexual assault through physical force, violence, or incapacitation.

4.2 % of students have experienced stalking since entering college.

Male college-age students (18-24) are 78% more likely than non-students of the same age to be a victim of rape or sexual assault.

Female college-age students (18-24) are 20% less likely than non-students of the same age to be a victim of rape or sexual assault.

College students are at the highest risk of sexual assault during their 1st and 2nd semesters of college.

Only 20% of female students age 18-24 report the assault to law enforcement.

Only 32% of non-student females the same age do make a report.

More than 50% of college sexual assaults occur in August, September, October or November.

*please visit rainn.org/statistics/scope-problem for full citation.

Tips

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AFTER An ASSAULT

Campus Resources

Many campuses offer students free services such as campus security escort and a student health center. Colleges often provide services for psychological support and sexual assault services. These services exist for your health and safety. Contact your campus services. It is important to know that you have rights as a victim. If you are living in fear of the perpetrator-- or if they are in your community and you fear the impact of reporting assault, federal law requires colleges to protect victims by changing class schedules and change housing if necessary to keep victims safe. This law is called the Campus SaVE Act. For more information, visit https://www.rainn.org/articles/campus-save-act.

Did you know?*

86% of sworn campus law enforcement officials have the legal authority to make an arrest outside of campus grounds, AND have a staff member responsible for rape prevention programming.
70% of campus law enforcement agencies have memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with local law enforcement
72% of campus law enforcement agencies have a staff member responsible for survivor response and assistance.
75% of 4 yr academic institutions with 2,500 students or more employ armed officers.
Title IX is a federal civil rights law that protects you from discrimination by your institution. It states:

No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” This means that your school may not discriminate or retaliate against you for filing charges, testifying or participating in any complaint action.

*Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, Campus Law Enforcement, 2011-2012 (2015).

Community Resources

If campus services are unavailable, or if you are seeking more confidential services--reach out to the nearest hospital or community sexual assault center. Off-campus sexual assault centers are equipped to provide you with FREE and confidential services and will also provide you with medical and/or criminal justice resources. Some centers are also equipped to perform forensic interview and examination. If you should decide to report to law enforcement or obtain a protection order, victim advocates are prepared to assist with that process. A protection order or T.P.O. is a legal document prohibits the suspect from certain types of contact with the person who obtains the order. Violation of restraining order can result in criminal charges to the offender. In the event that you feel unsafe in your current living situation, there are also resources available for safe housing within the community. As a victim, you also have the right to NOT report. Community assault centers provide ongoing medical and therapeutic resources to all clients including those who chose not to report to law enforcement.

We are located in Northwest Georgia, and serve Walker, Catoosa, and Dade counties. If you are located in or near our region, please CONTACT us for help at 706-419-8775.

Campus Safety: Service