Report sexual violence, keep USU campus safe

By Diane Denning

October 13, 2008 | In the past few years, Utah has been ranked anywhere between 13th and 16th in the nation. Pretty good ranking isn't it? But, what you don't know is what the ranking is for. Utah is ranked 13th to 16th in the nation when it comes to rape on college campuses. Doesn't sound so good any more, does it.

According to a website entitled TeensHealth, rape is defined as sex forced against someone's will. It isn't based on passion or love; it is an act of violence and aggression. Healthy relationships involve respect and if one person in the relationship is pressuring the other person to have sex with them, it is not a healthy relationship and could be considered rape.

"Rape and sexual assault is a serious problem in Utah," says Rachel Brighton, coordinator for Sexual Assault and Anti Violence Information (SAVVI) at Utah State University .

According to an article from the US Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, rape is the most common violent crime on college campuses in America. Women ages 16 to 24 are four times more likely to experience rape than other women.

I wish I could say Utah State University is exempt from these statistics, but our campus too has victims and survivors of this horrific crime.

Acquaintance rape can be classified as many different types of rape, which include: party rape, date rape, rape in a non-party or non-date situation, rape by a former intimate partner, or rape by a current intimate partner. COPS also stated 91 percent of women who are victims of acquaintance rape in Utah know their assailant.

No matter what type of rape, or how it happened, it has to be reported. The only way to end this crime on our campus is to let those who can take control know. Whether it is the police, an employee of SAVVI, or simply someone you can trust to get the help needed, report the crime.

Brighton said fewer than 5 percent of rapes are reported. If the police aren't notified of the crime they can't take the measures needed to the safety of others and keep them from becoming victims as well. Notifying the police is one way to help increase awareness of this violent crime.

"We all can help decrease this violence," Brighton said. "This requires a lot of us to take action and promote it to our peers."

One way SAVVI is helping to promote awareness and decrease violence is through a group called One-in-Four. One-in-Four is an all male, peer educated group designed to educate men around campus about rape and what they can do to help rape survivors. Men of One-in-Four are examples to other men by how they treat women; with respect. "We all need develop a healthy sense of respect for men and women," Brighton said.

Utah State has been participating in One-in-Four since 2005. There are now 40 chapters worldwide.

"Only a small percent of men are violent," Brighton said. "We are working to mobilize nonviolent guys to educate, and have them educate their peers."

Brighton said everyone is needed to help end this violence and we can all take part. SAVVI is always looking for volunteers, but there are other ways to help. If you see something at a party that doesn't look right, intervene.

"Don't be silent bystanders," Brighton said. "Be willing to stand up and say something."

One in four college women has survived rape or attempted rape, according to the SAVVI website. We need to work together to decrease these numbers.

"People need to be willing to talk about sexual violence," Brighton said. "If we don't talk, we can't fix the problem." SAVVI's motto is We're here to educate. We're here to help. We're here for you. The employees of this office are passionate about what they do and they want to help you.

Utah State is the only campus in Utah that has a sexual violence office open full time. "The administration of Utah State University is committed to end sexual violence, "Brighton said. SAVVI is free and confidential. They are there for everyone, men and women as well as friends and family members of victims. They are there to help and are waiting.

All of us are a part of the campus life of Utah State University. It takes all of us to keep our campus safe and keep the members of our campus out of the statistics of rape and sexual violence. It takes an effort from all of us to report these crimes. Reporting it increases awareness, which will make Utah State a safe school for students, teachers, and everyone who comes to our campus.

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