Q: The total number of forcible and non-forcible sex offenses reported in the 2021 Annual Security Report on campus between 2018 and 2020 is four. Do you believe this number accurately reflects the true number of cases of sexual offenses on campus
A: We can’t speculate on a potential number of incidents that may not have been reported, but we do know statistics have shown that a wide majority of sexual assault victims do not report incidents to law enforcement.
It can be difficult for many victims of assault to step forward and report abuse, but we encourage students to report all such incidents. Full support is and will be given to those who do.
There are people here on campus who will listen. Students may report incidents directly to campus police; to Joey Croslin, the university’s Title IX coordinator; to Dr. Amy Ayres, the deputy Title IX coordinator; or to Dr. Kristi Pendleton, OCU’s civil rights investigator.
Any reported incident meeting the definition of crimes in accordance with the Clery Act must be included in the annual security report.
Q: The total number of dating violence and domestic violence cases reported between 2018 and 2020 is zero. Do you believe this number accurately reflects the true number of cases of dating and domestic violence on campus?
A: The above answer speaks to this question as well.
Q: Oklahoma State University warns that out of their “26,000 students, about 2,600 women and 800 men will experience sexual assault while here at OSU.” If you believe OCU has fewer cases of sexual assault, what makes our university different?
A: Many studies estimate the prevalence of sexual assault on college campuses, and the rates vary from campus to campus. All campuses, however, share in the common understanding that sexual assault continues to be a serious issue that causes physical, mental, and emotional trauma.
We can’t speak to steps being implemented at other universities, but at OCU, we strive to educate the campus community about important topics related to sexual violence during new-student orientation and through programs throughout a student’s academic career.
The university’s non-discrimination policy and equity resolution process describe the university’s responsibility to ensure students are aware of their rights and the university’s reporting process and resources available to students who report instances of sexual violence.
Q: What advice do you have for students regarding domestic violence?
OCU cares about our students’ well-being and success both inside and outside the classroom. If a student experiences an incident that they believe could be in violation of our Nondiscrimination Policy, or if they are in need of additional resources or safety measures, we encourage them to reach out and make a report to campus police or the Title IX office. They can make a report for themselves or on behalf of someone else at https://secure.okcu.edu/titleix, or call the Campus Conduct hotline at 866-943-5787.
Leave a Reply