Rape victimization affects college womenCollege women at high risk of rapeRecent study by the Department of Justice reveals statistics of college women at risk for rape. Numbers suggest women in college are at higher risk than the general population.

Roughly 3 percent of women in college experience rape or harassment. These numbers reveal rape and sexual victimization is a larger problem than expected. Results of a study released today by The U.S. Department of Justice suggest college women could be at highest risk of rape. The U.S Department released a report today revealing results from a study on sexual assault of college women. University of Cincinnati Professor Bonnie F. Fisher performed the study published on the National Institute of Justice website. The study analyzed the context and prevalence of sexual victimization within various colleges.

Attack details The results of the study are as follows:Many college women know their attacker. Roughly 90

percent of rapes on college campuses occur in campus residences. As darkness falls victimization increases. Most rape cases happen after 6p.m. Some students let their guard down and may be too trusting. The study revealed that the majority of rapes that occurred on college campuses too place within student residences.

(more)Hailey Klebe Web Story “Assault” P.2

Victim's Residence (on cam-

pus)58%

Other Campus Residence

31%

10%

1%Where do college rapes happen?

Victim's Residence (on campus)

Other Campus Res-idence

Fraternity house on Campus

Off Campus Location

Rapes occur mostly within college residences. Infographic by Hailey Klebe

The numbersA telephone survey sampled more than 4,000 women

currently attending college. The estimated numbers of women affected by sexual victimization may be surprising. The survey showed about 35 out of every 1,000 women experience rape. Applied to the general public, more than 350 rapes could occur on a campus with 10,000 women. This survey is one of many, for more statistic check the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center website.

Shame and denial Victimization of women often goes unreported. Women

often experience shame and denial after sexual assault. Rape victims remain silent for many reasons including:

Embarrassment Misunderstood definition of rape Fear of identifying their attacker Self -blame

Sexual assault is more prevalent on college campuses than in previous years. Students feel comfortable on campus and forget to use caution. Research reveals the high risk of criminalization on college campuses. The Office of Justice provides more information on criminal justice and sexual victimization.

The University of Maryland is joining the conversation about sexual assault. Check the Office of Sexual Misconduct website to see how the UMD is preventing sexual victimization on their campus.

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