Rape victimization affects college women

College women at high risk of rape

Recent study by the Department of Justice reveals statistics of
college women at risk for rape. Numbers suggest women in college
are at higher risk than the general population.
Roughly 3 percent of women in college experience rape or
harassment. These numbers reveal rape and sexual victimization is
a larger problem than expected. Results of a study released today
by The U.S. Department of Justice suggest college women could
be at highest risk of rape. The U.S Department released a report
today revealing results from a study on sexual assault of college
women. University of Cincinnati Professor Bonnie F. Fisher
performed the study published on the National Institute of Justice
website. The study analyzed the context and prevalence of sexual
victimization within various colleges.

Attack details
The results of the study are as follows:
Where do college rapes happen?
Victim's Residence (on campus)
Other Campus
Residence
10% 1%
31%house on Campus
Fraternity
58%
Off Campus Location

Many college women know their attacker. Roughly 90 percent of

rapes on college campuses occur in campus residences. As
darkness falls victimization increases. Most rape cases happen
after 6p.m. Some students let their guard down and may be too
trusting. The study revealed that the majority of rapes that occurred
on college campuses too place within student residences.

(more)
Hailey Klebe Web Story Assault P.2

Rapes occur mostly within college residences. Infographic by Hailey Klebe

The numbers
A telephone survey sampled more than 4,000 women
currently attending college. The estimated numbers of women
affected by sexual victimization may be surprising. The survey
showed about 35 out of every 1,000 women experience rape.
Applied to the general public, more than 350 rapes could occur on
a campus with 10,000 women. This survey is one of many, for
more statistic check the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center website.

Shame and denial

Victimization of women often goes unreported. Women
often experience shame and denial after sexual assault. Rape
victims remain silent for many reasons including:
Embarrassment
Misunderstood definition of rape
Fear of identifying their attacker
Self -blame
Sexual assault is more prevalent on college campuses than in
previous years. Students feel comfortable on campus and forget to
use caution. Research reveals the high risk of criminalization on
college campuses. The Office of Justice provides more information
on criminal justice and sexual victimization.
The University of Maryland is joining the conversation about
sexual assault. Check the Office of Sexual Misconduct website to
see how the UMD is preventing sexual victimization on their
campus.

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