Fall is amongst.
While many students are excited to return back to school, some students are dreading their college campuses. It’s not the midterms, disgusting cafeteria food, or trips to the financial aid office (okay financial aid is a buzz killer). To some sexual assault survivors, their college campus is a reminder of their trauma.
Fortunately, thanks to ambitious women like Eleanor Holmes Norton, there will be more awareness about sexual assault on college campuses.
On Monday, August 31st, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton announced on Twitter that September will be recognized as National Campus Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This awareness month was prompted by Congresswoman Norton’s desire to continue to spread awareness about sexual assault on college campuses during the pandemic.
(insert picture of tweet)
Why the month of September? According to a press release published by The DC Line, over 50% of sexual assaults occur between August-November.
The press release also included alarming statistics on low numbers of sexual assault trainings offered on college campuses, students understanding the process of reporting sexual assualt, and protocols for universities/colleges to work with law enforcement to work together when crimes are reported.
The pandemic and these statistics are another reminder as to why sexual assault awareness cannot be limited to the month of April, but is a cause worthy of year long attention.
How have colleges/universities in your area addressed concerns sexual assault?