Indianapolis—
The start of college brings a lot of fun, excitement and new challenges, but college students should also be aware of the dangers. New statistics from the Department of Justice estimate that one in four college women will be victims of sexual assault before they graduate within a four-year period.
The Center for Public Integrity also did a year-long study that found that students often don't report rape because they blame themselves or don't realize that it was a crime at all. That study also found that victims fear that their attackers will do it again if they report it.
Alcohol is shown to be a contributing factor in many rape cases. Alcohol played a role in 97,000 sexual assault or date rape cases across the country last year, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
"The risk really depends on the people involved," said Butler University Senior, Sarah Abernathy.
"Especially if they're drinking and not paying attention, setting them down and picking them back up. I mean we don't always hear about it on the Butler campus, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen," Abernathy said.
She is aware of the emergency phones on campus and the lighted walkways. There are several other resources available on campus too. If you're a victim or suspect you're a victim, you can call Butler's 24-hour hotline at 317-910-5572.
You can also get help online or by calling the national hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE.
