Sexual assault is a type of crime that is commonly occurring on college campuses. Many times authorities cannot deal with these crimes because they are not reported in a timely manner.
Kim Bushore-Maki, coordinator of outreach programs for the Counseling Center said, “Despite efforts to educate people and being more approachable than Public Safety, there is still a stigma attached to these crimes and it is difficult for authorities to get a conviction. There is still a delay from the time when the event happens to when an individual comes to my office.”
“This isn’t just a local phenomena, and this is a problem and a major concern,” said Dr. Steven Bader, associate vice president of student affairs.
Jack Cotrel, the interim chief of Public Safety, said, “When students do not respond to an emergency it is difficult for the crime to be solved.”
The crimes reported this year by students have ranged from sexual assault to domestic violence.
“These officers cannot look into a crystal ball and see everything negative happening on campus,” Cotrel said.
When dealing with the subject of a rape, it is often wondered why the victim does not go straight to the police. In 80 percent of all rapes, the victim knows their attacker.
Unfortunately, a great deal of incidents happens under the influence of drugs and alcohol and the victim’s memory is sometimes cloudy. Victim’s have a difficult time remembering the events that led up to the incident.
The statistics have not been very promising in the past with rape cases.
“If 1,000 women are raped, 100 rapes will be reported, 10 will go to trial and only one rapist will be convicted,” Bushore-Maki said.
If the victim should decide to take the matter to court, Bushore-Maki will assist the victim every step of the way. Even if the odds of getting a conviction in court are not good, student victims have another alternative – the University Judicial System.
“The system is a lot more friendly, I can be with them every step of the way, if the criminal is found guilty they will be expelled and the court is free because there is usually no attorney present,” Bushore-Maki said.
It is a good idea for everyone, regardless of gender, to get involved with prevention programs. Bushore-Maki said, “It is a great way to get plugged into the process that changes cultural attitudes.”
Cotrel said, “The programs are worthwhile, but the problem at hand is that the students do not think about the programs, due to all the social events going on during the school year.”
“The safety and security of all members of the campus community are our utmost concern. Please remember, however, that we cannot do our jobs without you. Therefore we look to all of you, as members of the ETSU community, to cooperate with the officers and assist them in preventing and responding to crime on campus,” Cotrel said.
For more info please contact Bushore-Maki at 439-4841 or e-mail her at bushore-maki@etsu.edu.

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