by Khadn Adderley
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The month of April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the University of Arkansas has various programs throughout the month to help students who may be victims of sexual assault.
According to RAINN, 11.2% of graduate and undergraduate students experience sexual assault or rape. Only 20% of student female student victims, aged 18-24 report to law enforcement. Most victims usually believe that it was a personal matter that didn’t need to be reported, or that the police would not or could not do anything to help.
“Women don’t report sexual assaults because they’re afraid of the judgments and backlash,” said Terri Smith, sophomore International Studies major. “Women also know, depending on who her assailant is, that he most likely will not be punished for his acts.”
STAR Central is the Office of Support, Training, Advocacy & Resources, they provide victim advocates for students. Victim advocates are specially-trained professionals with special training to provide trauma-informed support for victims/survivors. They will also assist students in reporting these crimes if they don’t feel comfortable doing it themselves.
You can find out more about the gaining a victim advocate by emailing survivor@uark.edu or contacting STAR Central at 479-575-7252.