Evolving federal requirements have changed the way that universities address sexual violence. More resources are being directed toward anti-violence education, victim support and “see something, say something” training. Reporting requirements have changed as well.
At Stanislaus State, the number of sexual assaults rose from two in 2013 to seven in 2014, according to the University’s annual Campus Security Report, which was released Oct. 1.
“Even one sexual assault is too many, but the campus community has worked hard to create a culture that empowers people to be safe and encourages victims to come forward,” said Andy Roy, the University’s chief of police.
He cited the student-led Warrior Watch program, an anti-violence video produced by and featuring athletes, and the hiring of a confidential victim advocate (otherwise known as a survivor advocate) this past year as examples of actions taken to empower and support the University community. In addition, the University’s Title IX compliance officer meets with those who want to discuss a matter of sexual violence, stalking, domestic violence or an array of other concerns.
“Stanislaus State, with more than 10,000 members in our campus community, remains a very safe campus,” Roy said. “The data bear that out, but even more important, the attitudes and helpfulness of our campus community bear that out.”
Among the indicators that the campus is safe are the number of robberies — zero in 2014, compared with two in 2013; aggravated assaults, zero in 2014, compared with one in 2013; motor vehicle thefts, down from four to two; and burglaries, up from three to four.
The Campus Security Report is available on the University website. It includes statistics for the past three years, covering incidents on campus; in off-campus buildings owned or controlled by the University; and on public property within, adjacent to or accessible from the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault and fire-related statistics. Campus Security Reports from other institutions can be found at ope.ed.gov/security.