TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Rape reports more than tripled on the Indiana State University campus for 2018 compared to the previous two years.
One reason for the drastic increase is “proactive education on campus with an emphasis on reporting sexual violence,” according to university officials.
“The system is working. Still, it’s well
established that most sexual assaults are not reported to police,” ISU Police
Chief Joe Newport said. “We remain committed to supporting survivors of sexual
violence and to keeping our campus safe.”
ISU made public its Clery Act report Friday. The document is an annual summary of certain crimes reported to have occurred on campus. The statistics reflect reports of crimes only, and not all reports were made to law enforcement. Several were made to the university’s Title IX Office.
In addition to rape, reports of a crime in general increased in 2018.
The report also showed increases in drug
and liquor law violations, which police attributed to increased enforcement and
University Apartments now being designated as an on-campus housing facility.
When one person reports multiple occasions of a crime, and that was the case this year, those count separately in the statistics. Year to year, it is common to see fluctuation in these numbers, officials noted.
In 2018, the campus Title IX office
increased its outreach to students on how and where to report sexual violence
through the “It’s on Blue” program. The Title IX staff attended student
organization meetings, provided extensive training to Residential Life staff
members and presented at university classes on topics such as healthy
relationships, consent, and bystander reporting and intervention. ISU Police
stepped up its outreach as well, emphasizing that in all situations, “If you
see something, say something.”
All incoming students and new employees
at ISU are required to complete online training modules that focus on sexual
violence prevention, reporting and campus resources.
ISU also offers Victim Advocate services
to any student who has experienced or is experiencing sexual violence,
relationship violence, or stalking. Advocates are on call 24-hours-a-day to
support survivors and offer resources and options.
The University Police Department has 25
full-time officers, all of whom have full police authority while enforcing
federal and state laws, as well as university policies. “Blue Light” phones
throughout campus have a direct link to the police and 911 services. Video
cameras monitor public areas such as parking lots. Community Service Officers
provide safety escorts and building security. The university also educates
students on safety through videos and written materials.
The full report can be found
here
.
