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All reported campus crimes have decreased over the past 15 years, but not sexual assault, according to a new federal study by the National Center for Education Statistics and the Justice Department. 

How wide-spread is the problem? 

Two sources, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) and the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN) report the following: 

• NSVRC – One in five women as well as one in sixteen men will be sexually assaulted in college. Rape is the most underreported crime. 

• RAINN – About 23 percent of college women, 5 percent of college men, and 21 percent of transgender or gender non-conforming students “experience rape or sexual assault through physical force or violence.” Only about 20 percent of survivors on college campuses report their assaults. 

The researchers report that sexual assault statistics indicate that the victim knew the person who sexually assaulted him/her in 8 out of 10 cases. 

What are the after-effects of sexual violence? 

Sexual violence victims can have psychological, emotional, and physical effects for years such as: depression, flashbacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, self-harm, sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, disassociation, eating disorders, pregnancy, sleep disorders, and suicidal thoughts, according to RAINN. 

What are colleges and universities doing to prevent sexual assault? 

BestColleges.com says that “colleges and universities around the country are taking steps to prevent incidents of sexual violence on campus. By increasing the presence of security officers, initiating bystander intervention programs, and educating students on the meaning of ‘consent,’ schools are working to ensure the safety of their students, faculty, and staff on campus.” 

Can the college or university be held liable for sexual assault? 

Here are some of the situations in which a college can be held liable for a victim's damages: 

• A school employee commits a sexual assault.
• Negligent security.
• Failure to protect students in on-campus housing.
• Failing to comply with laws and best practices in handling sexual violence on campus. 

In addition, colleges and universities can also be held liable if they foster a climate for assaultive crime. There are several factors that could lead to this climate. These can include, but are not limited to: 

• Lack of proper alcohol and drug enforcement policies.
• Failure of campus security to follow and enforce policies.
• Allowing parties with underage drinking to be "the norm."
• Failing to prosecute those who violate alcohol and drug rules.
• Placing predators in positions of trust (as resident advisors or peer advisors.) 

Under the federal Clery Act, colleges and universities may also be responsible for a campus sexual-assault survivor's injuries and damages if the school engaged in fraud, or concealing certain crimes, such as other instances of sexual assault. 

“Our college and university campuses must be safe places for all and foster positive climates that encourage learning. However, when they do not and you or a loved one has been the victim of sexual assault, contact the experienced attorneys at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. We are here to assist you, and there are no costs or attorney fees unless we make a monetary recovery for you,” said Randall Spivey, Fort Myers Injury Attorney. 

Fort Myers Personal Injury Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.