Incidents of sexual assault on college campuses across the United States are on the rise. In fact, according to 2015 numbers published by The New York Times, one in four women experienced sexual assault on a campus. Amongst men, the numbers are lower, but still serious – 8.6 percent. Amongst transgender students, reports of sexual assault are even higher than they are amongst females.
If you are a victim of sexual assault, it is important that you understand that you did nothing wrong, and that you have the power to take action.
Sexual Assault on the Rise in the U.S. on College Campuses
According to the same Times article cited above, 13.5 percent of women on college campuses have experienced sexual assault that includes penetration, oral sex, or attempted penetration. Sadly, studies also show that even in the most serious of assaults – like those described above – only about 75 percent of victims actually report the assault.
Further, assault is occurring across the nation and across all demographics on campuses. In fact, some of the most prestigious universities in the country have the highest rates of sexual assault; 34.3 percent at the University of Michigan, 34.6 percent at Yale, and 29.2 percent at Harvard (percentages refer to instances of sexual assault against undergraduate women).
What to Do if You Have Been Sexually Assaulted
Victims of sexual assault often feel guilty, ashamed, and embarrassed about their assault, and may be hesitant to report it because of this or because of fear or repercussions from the assaulter. However, it is very important that you report the sexual assault as soon as you are able to. You should report the sexual assault to local police, as well as to university administrators or/and campus security.
When Sexual Assault Isn’t Taken Seriously
It is not uncommon for universities to fail to take reports of sexual assault seriously. An article in The Huffington Post reads that fewer than one-third of campus sexual assaults result in expulsion, and The Center for Public Integrity has found that students who are found responsible for sexual assault often face no or little punishment through universities’ judicial systems.
If you believe that your university or/and local law enforcement is not taking your report of sexual assault seriously, it may be time to take legal action. While the state is responsible for bringing forth criminal charges against a person who commits an act of sexual assault, an attorney can help you to bring forth civil charges to bring attention to the issue and seek damages for any physical or psychological harm you have suffered. We may also be able to help you pursue a claim against the campus for inadequate security contributing to sexual assault.
Contact Our Brooklyn Sexual Assault Lawyer Today
If you are a victim of sexual assault, we can only imagine what you must be going through and how scared and upset you must be. At the Law Office of Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum, we will represent you in holding the offender liable for what they’ve done.
Contact a competent Brooklyn sexual assault lawyer today to schedule your free case consultation or call 718-237-5586.
