To the editor:

April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Sexual assault is an act that breaks a person’s trust or safety and is sexual in nature. Sexual assaults are acts of violence where sex is used as the weapon. Victims of sexual assault are forced, coerced and/or manipulated to participate in unwanted sexual activity. Acquaintance or date rape is much more common than stranger rape; 70 percent to 75 percent of victims know their attacker.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, an American woman is raped every two minutes, one in three women will be raped in their lifetime, and one out of every four college women has been the victim of rape or attempted rape.

Victims do not cause their assaults and are never to blame.

Sexual assault is a crime that is increasing at an alarming rate. In Iowa alone, more than 1,800 sexual assaults were reported to law enforcement in 1998. This is an 8.5 percent increase since 1997. The number does not even begin to reflect the problem — it is estimated that only 10 percent of sexual assaults are actually reported to police. Sexual assaults do happen at Iowa State in residence halls, Greek houses and off-campus housing. Alcohol plays a large factor in many acquaintance rapes, and Iowa State is no exception.

During the 2000 Sexual Assault Awareness Month there will be many activities focusing on sexual assault education, prevention and awareness. The Assault Care Center Extending Shelter and Support (ACCESS) and Story County Sexual Assault Response Team (S.A.R.T.) join thousands of victim advocates and survivors in observance of this month. During April, we encourage all individuals to wear white ribbons to signify their support in ending sexual violence. On Tuesday, April 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. the Story County Clothesline Project will be displayed on central campus.

Sexual assault is a devastating crime that affects everyone whether you or someone you know is a survivor. Help is available. ACCESS’ services are free and confidential; please call the crisis line at 232-2303 if you or someone you know needs help. Story County S.A.R.T. provides 24-hour response to sexual assault. S.A.R.T. is a team of specially trained professionals who work together to meet the medical, criminal justice and advocacy needs of a sexual assault victim/survivor. Call 296-6397 to reach the team day or night.

Our success in eliminating sexual violence in Iowa will be measured by everyone’s positive contributions to the anti-sexual assault movement. One voice can make a difference.

Julie Wooden

Graduate student

Interdisciplinary studies

Sexual assault services coordinator

ACCESS

Julie Harders

Alumna

Coordinator

Story County S.A.R.T.