SEO Head: DOJ study on rape and sexual assault starts a conversation

Summary Blurb: December 2014 report by the DOJ unmasks a epidemic of rape and
sexual assault victimization among college-aged females.
Time Stamp: 11:00 a.m. on Nov. 15, 2015
Rape culture is a term describing the prevalence of rape and sexual assault in
todays culture; the term has sparked discussion and even government interest on the
topic (read about rape culture). In a December 2014 special report released by the DOJ
college-aged females are identified as the most likely victims of rape and sexual assault.
The DOJ study sparked an interest in the topic and prompted a similar study from
White House Council of Women and Girls. The two studies provide interesting
perspective on this concerning epidemic.

Alcohol: a factor?
Sexual assault is a particularly prevalent problem on college campuses
as 1 in 5 women have been sexually assaulted while in college (see more
stats). According to findings in the recent study, alcohol may fuel the
problem:
Incapacitated assault is common, where victims are sexually
abused while they are drunk, on drugs or passed out
Perpetrators often prey on incapacitated women and sometimes
provide their victims with drugs or alcohol (read more about date
rape drugs)
Parties are often the sites of crime, a 2007 study showed that 58%
of incapacitated rapes and 28% of forced rapes took place in a
party setting.

One in five
women have been
sexually assaulted
while in college.
Source:
Oldgoldandblack.com

Continuation of the problem

Reporting rates for campus sexual assault are low: on average only 12% of
student victims report the assault to law enforcement even though the effects are
detrimental. College survivors of rape or sexual assault suffer long after their attack and
face:
High rates of PTSD
Depression and drug or alcohol abuse
Depression and anxiety
Higher college drop out rates (click to see more effects)
(more)

A broader issue
There are other factors besides gender and being a resident of a
college campus that make people more susceptible to rape and sexual
assault including:
Disability
Inclusion in the LGBT community
Homelessness
However, most victims of sexual assault and rape are young
females that know their assailants. This makes college campuses, where
there is partying and young women galore, a dangerous breeding ground
for rape and sexual assault.
Research from the DOJ and White House Council on Women and
Girls have provided a glimpse into this long-standing problem. Sexual
assault and rape of women on college campuses can only be prevented
through education and increased knowledge about the issue.

###

College students
picket rap and sexual
assault following DOJ
report.
Source: alijaeeza.com