College and universities have a heavy task of applying policy and procedures in dealing with cases of campus sexual assaults. WBFO's Focus on Education Reporter Eileen Buckley says some experts offer local campuses advice.
"You need to assume that this is going to happen on your campus and you need to be prepared," said
Ernie Allen, former President International Center for Missing & Exploited Children. He's now speaking on the issue of campus sexual assaults.
New York State has enacted a dramatic law with the 'Enough is Enough' initiative. Still, Allen tells WBFO News campuses must be ready.
"Colleges have to get ready. They have to be prepared. The reality of the situation is that I believe it's an epidemic. The most recent research by the Washington Post and the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 20-percent of females in college will be sexual assaulted each year, five-percent of males, so this is not just a women's issue," stated Allen.
After kicking off the new school year at the end of last month there was an alleged attempted sexual assault occurred on in a Buffalo State dorm room.
"The reality is, most of them don't tell anybody," said Allen.
One major issue is getting the victims to report the crime. Four out of five victims are not reporting campus sexual assaults.
Amanda Lowe is an Associate Attorney at Phillips Lytle in Buffalo.
"Part of 'Enough is Enough' is going to require that first responders give a reporting individual notice of their rights, right that they have to make a criminal complaint, right that they have to do a Title IX investigation or a student disciplinary proceeding," said Lowe.
The student will also learn how important it is to preserve evidence in such an attack. They will also be entitled to have access to a sexual assault nurse examiner.
"And schools should assist with providing them with information with how to go about and see that person," noted Lowe.
These experts say if colleges and universities execute the new law correctly it not only will help a victim, but protect the reputation of their institution.
