Oct. 15 2014
In the National College Health Assessment at UW-Whitewater done in Spring 2013, 39.3% of the respondents said they never received information from our university about sexual assault/relationship violence prevention. This is rather concerning since in 2013, 14 forcible sex offenses were reported as happening on the UWW campus or on property officially recognized by, or leased by, the university. With sexual assault being one of the most underreported crimes, it is possible that 60% of the sexual assaults that occurred on our campus in 2013 were not reported. This means that there were potentially more than 14 forcible sex offenses in 2013.
That being said, it is extremely important that more UWW students are informed of the resources that are available for survivors of sexual assault, students who know survivors of sexual assault, and prevention of sexual assault.
According to Whitney Henley, the Sexual Assault Prevention Coordinator at UHCS, survivors of sexual assault can visit UHCS for resources for their physical and mental health. Physical exams, STD/STI tests, pregnancy tests, and Plan B (the morning after pill) are available to aid survivors’ physical health. Counselors are available to aid survivors’ mental health.
Henley informs that students who know survivors of sexual assault can speak with counselors at UHCS to find out information on how to support the survivor. There is also a brochure available through UHCS titled “How to Help a Friend Who Has Been Sexually Assaulted”.
To learn more about prevention of sexual assault, there is a variety of information posted on the UHCS website. Also, students can talk to Henley about strategies for addressing interpersonal violence.
UWW students need to realize the value of having these resources at hand. Even if you have never been sexually assaulted or do not know of anyone who has been, it is important to be aware of the resources available to help prevent it. For many students, UWW is not only a school, but also a home. Students deserve to be safe in their homes and on their campus.
– Brittania Schreurs
Resident Assistant
UW-Whitewater
