According to a study, 1 in 5 women in college experience sexual assault. Another study reported that among rape survivors, nearly 1 in 3 had academic issues, and more than 1 in 5 considered dropping out of school. An often unchartered number, however, shows that 1 in 6 college men are sexually assaulted.
A review of 15 years of studies suggested that the most common form of sexual victimization in the campus is unwanted sexual contact followed by incapacitated rape, and attempted or completed rape. Like most other abuse against different demographics, the perpetrators are typically known to the victim. These rampant numbers reflect how sexual assault is common in an environment supposedly for learning and exploration; an occurrence that threatens the education of the youth and an incidence that should be axed.
Sexual Assault in a College Campus
Criminal sexual assault occurs when the perpetrator uses force or threatens to use force against the victim or knows the victim can’t understand the nature of the acts and give knowing consent. Aggravated criminal sexual assault occurs when the offender uses a weapon. In a college setup, many forms of assault may happen anywhere, even in public spaces. Sexual violence may also be identified as criminal sexual abuse if:
- The abuser is a family member of the victim with the victim being younger than 18 years old; or
- The abuser is 17 years old or older and was trusted or had authority and supervision over the victim who’s at least 13 years old but younger than 18.
Signs of Sexual Violence in College-Age Adults
Some of the signs of sexual assault in college-age adults may coincide with adjusting with the new environment and being far away from home. It is, however, important to recognize signs and communicate with the person to better evaluate the situation. Some of the red flags may include:
- Signs of depression,
- Low self-confidence;
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs);
- Sudden anxiety over things that didn’t trigger anxiety before;
- Dissociation;
- Avoidance of places and people;
- Withdrawal from usual activities;
- Failing grades; and/or
- Increased alcohol or drug use.
What To Do After a College Campus Sexual Assault
If you or someone you know had been sexually assaulted on campus or by an employee, campus affiliate, or colleague, know that it’s not your fault and you’re never alone. Abusers are to blame for their crimes. It’s not your clothes or your friendliness or even you and friends deciding to have a night out.
Always keep your campus security’s number for emergencies. If you are in immediate danger and don’t have your campus security’s contact info, call 911. Aside from calling 911, you may also contact the Trauma Abuse Treatment and talk to a trained counselor about trauma abuse at 866-612-7506 or Sexual Assault Counseling and Information Service (SACIS) at 217-348-5033 or 888-345-2846. The State of Illinois also has referred multiple hotlines as part of their Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Helpline.
If the offender is an employee or colleague, you can report the issue to the school administration as well. Know that your school is required to help you continue your education without feeling threatened by your offender through the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. They can help you:
- Adjust class schedules;
- Obtain a no-contact order;
- Change dorms; or
- Get counseling or tutoring (for federally-funded schools).
Your school may not discourage you from pursuing your education or retaliate in any way should you file a complaint following the Education Amendments. After reporting the incident to your school and the local authorities, you should get in touch with an experienced attorney to help evaluate your situation and better navigate your case. On top of criminal charges, you may be entitled to civil damages.
Our attorneys at America’s Consumer Lawyer are committed to helping you traverse the legal difficulties of your case. We do this while cultivating an avenue of open communication, support, and privacy. Victims should always know that legal recourse is always on the table, and we believe in accessible quality legal counsel.
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