Rape In Colleges

The definition of rape has evolved over the years and is one of the biggest problems in society. There is not a universal definition of rape; each state has their own rules and regulations (O’Connor and Kingkade). This definition will dilute more if something is not done about it soon. It is imperative that society starts focusing more on being aware of the sexual violence that occurs on universities around the country. Tod Robberson perfectly states, “The culture among colleges and around universities has been to keep these [sexual violence] matters quiet, as if we’re all a family here, and there’s no need to bring in outsiders.” Keeping these matters under the table does not disperse the knowledge of university sexual violence throughout
Colleges often support the victim but do not sympathize, “A lot of colleges would agree it is wrong to ignore cases like [sexual violence] but they feel they’re not equipped enough to handle cases like this” (Pope). By forcing the universities to publicize, this brings awareness to other campuses which will ultimately lead to improving the campus’ ability to take on cases as such. Along with not being well equipped for the cases, numerous complicated and ongoing cases is a huge problem college campuses currently face. Kingkade expresses, “Besides the simple fact of 315 ongoing cases [on the Notre Dame campus], the Education Department noted that these investigations are complicated.” Regardless of complication or ongoing cases, universities should stand up to create a change to improve student life on campus. Even after all of this, the issue is clearly still not solved, “About 1 in 6 college aged female survivors received assistance from a victim service agency”(RAINN Statistics). It is sickening that people are aware of prevalent sexual violence but little is being done to help those victimized by
In order to empathize with a victim’s pain, thinking about sexual violence in terms of comparing it to other crimes may help. In any case, “Could anyone in their right minds imagine, say, a murder case being adjudicated before a student faculty disciplinary committee? Of course not. Such cases belong in established criminal courts where the rules of judicial proceedings apply. Sexual assault also belongs in those courts” (Robberson). If society as a whole starts publicizing sexual violence more often than when it happens in celebrity world, sexual violence could be taken more seriously. In addition, it is also absurd how nowadays “College women are twice as likely to be sexualy assaulted than robbed” (RAINN Statistics). Now to compare the different types of sexual violence, according to O’Connor and Kingkade, “Fewer than 5% of completed and attempted rapes of women in college were reported to law enforcement officials according to Bureau Department of Justice study released in 2000. That number drops even lower for other forms of sexual assault.” If that little is being reported it is clear there is serious hesitation to report. Previous cases have set a precedent that the university is not taking the victim's wellbeing strongly into