Reported campus assaults rise

Two rape incidents were reported at IU in the last two weeks. \nTwo months ago, two others were reported.\nOn average, 6.5 incidents are reported at IU each year, according to IU Police Department statistics. And right now, five months into 2005, four incidents have already been reported.\n"The trend reflects an ugly truth of society that we hate to cope with," said Assistant Dean for the Office for Women's Affairs Carol McCord. "From our studies, we have noticed that there seems to be an increase in these numbers during the beginning of the school year and during the time of Little 500."\nAccording to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, the nation's largest anti-sexual assault organization, about 3 percent of college women experience a rape or attempted rape each year. For IU's 19,527 female students, from 2004 data, IU is slightly above average at 3.3 percent. \n"Statistics are alarming," said Colleen Yeakle, crisis intervention services coordinator at Middle Way House, an organization dedicated to ending violence in the lives of women and children.\nYeakle's organization has provided assistance to 22 rape victims in Bloomington since August.\nGetting help\nYeakle said if a woman thinks she has been raped, the first and most important step she should take is talk to someone.\n"Telling someone is key," she said. "That person should be a trusted individual who will provide a good support system."\nRape victims can also take advantage of the Middle Way House 24-hour crisis line, 336-0846, or the IU Sexual Assault 24-hour crisis line, 855-8900, if they feel more comfortable talking to someone trained in domestic violence. Both services are free.\nMcCord said it is important for victims to know there are people and programs on campus and in the community dedicated to providing emotional support to them. She said she encourages victims to take an evidence collection test at the IU Health Center or Bloomington Hospital if the victim is considering the possibility of taking legal action.\n"A vital part of police investigations is collecting evidence," McCord said, noting evidence-collecting procedures do not require victims to pursue legal action. "Without an exam, it is virtually impossible to take action later."\nIf victims decide to take the exam, Yeakle said it is essential they not wash, comb or clean any part of their body because "preservation of evidence is key."\nTaking action\nPaul McCarthy, president of the IU Self Defense Club, said members of the club have conducted self-defense seminars on campus, focusing on several rape defense techniques.\nMcCarthy has conducted more than 10 free seminars in the dorms. He said a lot of the rape techniques and defenses teach women how to push away from an attacker or escape a potentially dangerous situation.\n"I try to teach very simple techniques that should happen with instinct such as basic hand strikes and kicks," he said. "With training and self-discipline, anyone can be more confident in themselves and less of a target to predators."\nMcCarthy said he encourages students to observe or take part in the IU Self Defense Club, which meets from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday in the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation 095. The first three lessons are free, and club fees are $35 per semester.\n"Self defense is a tool that helps people be more confident in terrifying situations, giving skills that could be used if the situation arises," McCarthy said.\n-- Contact Staff Writer Lori Geller at lfgeller@indiana.edu.