Department of Justice study shows rape is surprisingly frequent in American colleges.

Incidences may be on the rise, and many groups may be at fault.

Behind closed doors: confronting campus rape

By Abigail Jaffe Published 11:30 a.m. Nov. 14, 2012

College rape is more common than you may think. About 3 percent of American college women experience a completed or attempted rape every year, according to a study by Bonnie S. Fisher for the U.S. Department of Justices National Institute of Justice and the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Previous research suggests college women are at greater risk of rape than any other group. This proposal may alarm many college-bound women and current students. The Sexual Victimization of College Women, Fishers report on the study, offers insight into the prevalence and nature of sexual assault appearing at American colleges. The table below explains the studys findings. College women who were victims of attempted rape College women coerced to have sex College women stalked since beginning of the school year 1.7 percent 1.7 percent 13 percent

The study used telephone surveys of 4,400 randomly selected women attending a 2-or-4 year college or university. The sample included institutions with 1,000 students or more. Implications of buried rapes Fisher estimates that an American college with 10,000 women may witness more than 350 rapes a year. This statistic implies serious policy concerns for college officials. (more)

Fisher said many women never bring rapes to light for several reasons: Embarrassment Misunderstanding the legal definition of rape Disliking defining someone they know who assaulted them as a rapist Self-blame

Confronting the numbers The vast majority of college rapes occurred after 6 p.m. in living quarters. The following are frequences and locations of completed rapes:
College Rape Locations and Frequency Many women are raped in locations they are familiar with. Data courtesy of The Sexual Victimization of College Women. Graphic by Abigail Jaffe

On campus in victims residence, 60 percent On campus in other residence, 31 percent Fraternity, 10 percent Most off-campus victimization also occurred in residences. Many incidents of sexual contact and threatened assault took place in bars, dance clubs, nightclubs and work settings.

Additionally, the study shows about 13 percent of American college women are victims of stalking. Moving forward The studys findings about college rape may reinforce many organizations efforts to improve education and knowledge about sexual assault. The high frequency of rape reveals a persistent problem that may be affecting millions of American women and may influence future public policy. The Rape Treatment Center in Santa Monica, Calif., offers guidance and advice to sexually assaulted women. For more information, call (301) 319-4000.

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