Report says few arrests, prosecutions in Va. college sex assaults
A three-years study of Virginia colleges and universities by the Richmond Times-Dispatch shows that sex assaults are rarely reported.
For Lola Owokoniran, the statistics are not surprising. While her friends weren't attacked on campus, she and others at George Mason University believe shame plays a role in the lack of reporting of sexual assaults.
“I think, on campuses, we need to talk more about it, really help people to get aware,” she says.
The results of a three years study of Virginia colleges and universities by the Richmond Times-Dispatch shows that sex assaults in particular saw few arrests and even fewer prosecutions.
The state crime commission, fueled by a rape case at the University of Virginia, is examining whether it will require all sex assault to be turned over to local, not campus, police.
George Mason University, Virginia's largest, has a new sexual assault response team to help victims through the often difficult process of pursuing justice.
“It's a team of professionals, counselors, of course police officers and student workers who trained to do this kind of thing very well,” said Dan Walsch, a spokesperson for the university.
GMU students are involved in awareness campaigns about sex assault and victim's rights. Some say the bubble of a college campus isolates the criminal problem.
“This isn't just a society, this is part of the community too,” said George Mason University student Marcus Quarles.
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