Sexual Assaults

THE PROBLEM The risk of being raped is four times greater for women aged 16 to 24 than any other age group. One in four college women surveyed are victims of rape or attempted rape. One out of every 15 college men reported attempting or committing a rape. Date rape drugs only cost approximately $1.25 per pill. 73% of those people who have been classified as raped do not think that they were raped. A startling 75% of all rape cases are committed by acquaintances of the victim. The victim might know the person by name, might know him from classes or school, or maybe just met him at a party. 42% of these rapes will never be reported.

PERCENTAGE OF SAMPLE HAVING AT LEAST ONE VICTIMIZATION INCIDENT IN 1999

LOCATIONS OF RAPE INCIDENTS OVER A THREE YEAR TIME PERIOD

THE CAUSES The three causes of rape are victim precipitation, male pathology and male hostility. A lack of information on how to avoid situations that are favorable to rape. Experimentation with drugs and alcohol by 25% of all college students leads to poor judgement, and is one of the top causes of rape on college campuses. Prior sexual and physical abuse (either observed or experienced within the family) affect both the victim and aggressor. The fact that very few rapes (only 42%) get reported empowers the rapists, who then go on to commit more crimes. Another possible cause of date rape can be linked to traditional "sex-roles." Which includes the premise that the man makes the first move toward having sex. Men are naturally dominant and aggressive.

COLLECTION OF EVIDENCE DURING THE MEDICAL EXAMINATION OF THE RAPE VICTIM Physical evidence to be collected: –vaginal swabs, –oral and anal swabs, –pubic combing, –head and pubic hair controls, –saliva sample, –blood sample, –fingerprint scrapings, –all clothing.

ITEMS ROUTINELY COLLECTED FROM SUSPECTS All clothing, pubic hair combing, forcibly removed head and pubic hair controls, saliva and blood samples.

SEMINAL STAINS Seminal stains found at a crime scene are collected with cotton swab and placed in an airtight container so that they may not be contaminated. A spermatozoa search is a microscopic analysis where sperm cells are visually observed. DNA analysis to determine if the DNA pattern extracted from a crime scene semen stain matches the DNA pattern of the suspect: –RFLP, –PCR.

EVIDENCE COLLECTION POLICY Evidence should be collected within 72 hours of the incident. Wet body fluids should be collected with a gauze pad, allow to air dry, then placed in a breathable paper bag. Dry fluids should be picked up with a moistened cloth. Fibers found must be placed in a sealed envelope. A garment should be kept separate from other objects and laid on a clean sheet of paper. All evidence must maintain the chain of custody.

STATE POLICIES Students have the right to a fair hearing. Both the accused and the accuser may have an individual of their choice present to advise or support him or her. This individual may only provide support and may not actively participate in the hearing. Both the accused and the accuser may submit a written statement and request to the Office of Student Judicial Affairs that witnesses be called on their behalf. During the hearing, both the accused and the accuser shall be given the opportunity to testify and present evidence. Both the accused and the accuser shall be provided with the outcome within 48 hours. If an accused student is found in violation and appeals, the accuser will be notified of further decisions.

FEDERAL POLICIES The Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990, requires colleges and universities to automatically provide current students and staff with basic campus crime statistics and security policies. The Campus Sexual Assault Victims’ Bill of Rights of 1992, requires colleges and universities to afford campus sexual assault survivors certain basic rights, including assistance in notifying the police. The Foley Amendment of 1998 made the final results of student disciplinary cases where a student has been found to have broken a school rule in association with a crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense no longer protected from disclosure under federal student privacy laws. The Jeanne Cleary Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998 amended the 1990 Campus Security Act. It eliminated loopholes and expand reporting requirements. Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act of 2000 provided for the collection and disclosure of information about convicted and registered sex offenders either enrolled or employed by institutions of higher education.

THE MOST EFFECTIVE & FEASIBLE POLICY Education programs on security and rape. Warnings of dangerous areas Simple reporting procedures. Immediate contact of law enforcement agencies. Greater penalties for offenders. Distribution of campus safety reports. A 24-hour/7 days-a-week hotline.