It’s disturbing how many schools are reporting zero rapes on campus

The past couple years have revealed just how common it is for women and members of the LGBTQ community to be sexually assaulted on college campuses. Unfortunately, there are probably way more rapes happening at school than you might think.

For example, according to the Rape, Abuse and Incest Network, 23 percent of undergrad women will be raped while they’re at school, and various other surveys have concluded that anywhere from 20 to 25 percent of women have been sexually assaulted on college campuses. These numbers are disturbingly high, and young women aren’t the only targets. 21 percent of transgender or gender non-conforming students have also been raped on campus.

But here’s the scariest part: 90 percent of people who have been raped don’t even report it.

Now that we’re aware of the high number of rapes on college campuses, let’s look at the statistics that were just released by the American Association of University Women (AAUW).

The data of campus crime during 2015 was posted this week and it showed that 89 percent of 11,000 college disclosed zero rapes on campus. 89 percent.

There’s obviously something wrong here. If there are a quarter of women being sexually assaulted at school, how could this many campuses possibly have zero rapes happening? The AAUW insists there is something wrong here.

"When campuses disclose zero reports of rape...it simply does not square with research, campus climate surveys and widespread experiences reported by students," the AAUW said.

“Schools that report zero rapes have work to do and require additional scrutiny,” the AAUW continued.

They then cited that, in many cases, it’s the university’s fault for not making the reporting process easier and more welcoming.

Most women simply don’t feel comfortable reporting rape, even if they’re suffering internally.

This is simply unacceptable. The AAUW is encouraging schools all over the country to be better at disclosing sexual assault cases when they arise, and they’re urging that colleges create an environment where rape is never tolerated.

Heaven forbid something does happen to a young woman, we hope she feels like she’s in a safe enough space where she can speak up and get the help she deserves.

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