UF can do better when it comes to preventing sexual assault on campus. There have been reports of sexual assault, and even rape, occurring on our campus this month alone. So when I read an article about how Washington state lawmakers proposed a bill to create a sexual assault task force on college campuses, I wondered why UF doesn’t have such a thing. After all, aren’t we a top eight public university?
In 2015, the Association of American Universities released a campus climate survey on sexual assault and sexual misconduct. UF published an article after the survey results were released, which stated, “One in five UF female undergraduate students indicated they have experienced some type of sexual assault - ranging from sexual touching such as groping to unwanted penetration - since entering UF.”
The American Association of Universities announced in January it will conduct another campus climate survey on sexual assault and sexual misconduct. Based on an email I received recently from UF Public Safety, however, I have a prediction for how this report will look.
As all UF students know far too well, UF Public Safety sends a “Timely Warning” via email or text when emergencies happen on or near campus. These emergencies range from armed robbery to fires to sexual assault. On Feb. 11, I noticed the typical “Timely Warning” email in my inbox.
For some reason, I decided to read this one, and what I read was truly upsetting. The email documented a sexual assault occurring on campus sometime between 8 and 10 p.m. Feb. 9. According to the report, the victim was between the Florida Gym and Student Recreation & Fitness Center when an unknown individual sexually battered the victim. The report continued to say:
“The delayed reporting of this incident was provided to the UFPD by a food services employee supervisor to whom the victim confided. The victim currently does not want to report the matter to law enforcement.”
This points to so many underlying issues regarding sexual violence at UF that it’s almost impossible to find a place to start. Most glaringly, it is concerning the victim did not want to come forward with this report. This is an unfortunate situation I’ve noticed time and time again throughout my three years at UF.
Many victims just don’t feel comfortable coming forward to authorities with their sexual assault. Instead, people would rather find comfort in their friends. How can you blame them? UF tries to encourage victims to speak out, but there are always going to be feelings of discomfort and embarrassment surrounding the topic.
It is also concerning our only information regarding these assaults comes in the form of emails, which college students sometimes don’t even check, or in short, nondescript text messages. Additionally, the fact that these reports of sexual assault are labeled as “warnings” is concerning. In my experience, a warning is received before an incident occurs. Either way, why would I need a warning when I have been told the campus is safe? Aren’t those blue light posts on a few corners supposed to protect me?
Ultimately, with the next survey on sexual assault and sexual misconduct being conducted this year, the university should do something to address this issue before it affects the lives of any more students. Don’t get me wrong, I am proud to be a Gator. However, do I feel safe walking around campus? Not always. Providing resources in a clinical sense is necessary, but offering preventative solutions on a grassroots level is critical concerning forward process.
Katherine Ryan is a UF advertising junior.
