RAINN issued an official statement in light of the new campus climate survey research from the Bureau of Justice Statistics:

"This survey gives us insight into both the extent of the problem and steps we can take to fix it. The overall numbers — with an average of more than 10% of college women experiencing an assault last year, including 4% who were raped — are alarming.

Interestingly, there was a huge variation in rates of sexual violence: the rate at the worst school was nearly five times higher than at the best. This demonstrates that rape isn’t a normal part of the college experience, but rather a horror that can be prevented with strong action from campus leadership and by holding more perpetrators accountable.

The results also show the importance of Congress passing the Campus Accountability and Safety Act, which will ensure that every campus implements a consistent annual survey. RAINN will also continue to make sure that survivors get the help and support they need to recover, and expand our work with university leaders to help them implement high quality programs to prevent, and respond to, sexual violence."

Scott Berkowitz, President and Founder of RAINN

About RAINN
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization and was named one of "America's 100 Best Charities" by Worth magazine. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE and online.rainn.org) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. In 2015, the Online Hotline expanded to offer services in Spanish at rainn.org/es. The hotlines have helped more than two million people since 1994. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice. For more information about RAINN, please visit rainn.org.