The problem that won't go away

Last week, the IDS ran a story with the headline "Assault reports up, officials not worried." Dean of Students Dick McKaig admitted, "We do have a problem, as most campuses do, with sexual assault." Other officials, including IU Police Department Lt. Jerry Minger and Carol McCord, assistant dean for women's affairs, voiced their belief that the jump in reports of sexual assault is more a result of increased reporting, rather than a result of an increase in assaults.\nMcCord also said the increased reporting could be a \nresult of campaigns by IU and the Office of Women's Affairs. \nOn one hand, we're upset, because even one sexual assault is one too many. But we really appreciate that the recent campaigns have been working -- and as a result, the stigma surrounding the reporting of sexual assault might be lessening. \nThose working to create awareness about assault cite this stigma as one of the major roadblocks in encouraging the reporting of incidents. If the stigma goes down, more reports are made, and we can better understand the nature of the beast. So this recent spike, when viewed from the outside, can look like a bad thing, but down here in the trenches, we're seeing good things. We're hopeful. \nHowever, we hope that those campus offices, staffers and students who work so diligently to promote safety, reporting and awareness continue to do so -- because this isn't a problem that is going to go away. Sexual assault isn't something to be "taken care of." It's an issue that should always be in the forefront. It's not a problem that can be solved overnight, but for the time being, we support and encourage those who are doing their part to make our campus a safe, healthy one. \nAnd since IUSA election season is just around the corner, we're going to suggest that at least one, hopefully both, of the tickets think about making a strong statement regarding sexual assault on campus. \nEvery year, the tickets make exorbitant claims regarding their plans for making textbooks free, providing ten thousand new parking spots (in the middle of campus) and lowering the drinking age to seven. This year, the tickets will undoubtedly do the same thing.\nWe'd like them to consider, however, that it might be politically beneficial -- not to mention morally excellent -- to state that they plan to devote time and resources to sexual assault prevention. The message would be coming from a student-elected board, and with IUSA's budget, a significant and greater impact could be made. There are a number of resources on campus, such as the Rape Crisis Fund, that need both money and support. It's an excellent opportunity for both parties, and we hope to see them make a strong statement.