Chico State's Sexual Assault Procedures

            While talking about Chico State and its relation to the sexual crimes audit, it is important for readers to know more about the school’s procedures and strategies on dealing with sexual abuse.

            Being that this topic is the basis of the investigation, people need to know what exactly the university does to prevent sexual abuse, so they can decide for themselves, whether or not campus staff is doing enough to help victims who come forward.

            As I have mentioned on a previous blog, a study compiled by Robin Hattersely Gray for an article published on campussafetymagazine.com states that, “between 20% to 25% of women will experience a completed/or attempted rap during their college career,” and only about half of them come forward to talk about their horrific experience.

            It is important to investigate what significance the school’s procedure has, if any at all, on a victim’s decision to not come forward after they are attacked.

Chico State’s efforts through organizations:

            For Chico State’s procedures on combatting sexual abuse, my investigation started at the office of the Gender and Sexuality Equity Center.

            As discussed in my previous blog, GSEC is an organization that brings awareness to students who attends Chico State about the issue of sexual abuse.

            Members of the organization also had a chance to speak with the auditor when the investigation began.

             While at the GSEC office, some of the members provided me with information about how they assist students who have experienced sexual abuse.

            The organization helps victims by referring them to a number of “safe places” provided by the school.

            Chico State has a number of groups in campus that students can go to in the event that they experience sexual abuse such as, The Counseling Center, SAFE Place, Student Judicial Affairs and Wellcat Wellness Connection.

            SAFE Place in particular, is an organization housed at the University Police office located at school.

            All services provided by these specific organizations are strictly confidential to protect a victim’s identity.

            They offer support, resources, referrals and other tools that are useful for victims.

            In addition, the AS Government of Chico State is in collaboration with a couple of organization in running a Rape Crisis Intervention and Prevention program for the Tri-County area. The program is a hotline where people can call to talk to peer councilors about sexual abuse. The councilors are volunteers who are certified by the state.

            GSEC has pamphlets and brochures available at their office where students can get information on how to access these organizations if they experience sexual assault, or if they want to volunteer as part of these groups.

           

Question still remains?:

            With all these organizations and assistance that Chico State offers, the question still remains, why are victims afraid to come forward?

            Privacy seems to not be an issue since all the organizations offer strict confidentiality.

            Why was Chico State part of the audit despite having all these organizations helping victims?

            Is it because of Chico State’s reputation as a “party school,” and the high rate of alcohol abuse among students?

            Because of the auditors strict confidentiality of the investigation, it seems like the answers to these questions will only be answered when the results come out.