Sexual assault is a major problem faced at colleges across the nation according to the September 2015 study by the Association of American Universities.
In the poll of 27 universities, 11.7 percent of victims reported “experiencing nonconsensual sexual contact by physical force, threats of physical force, or incapacitation” since enrollment.
Men and women are impacted by sexual assaults.
An estimated 80 percent of campus sexual assaults go unreported, according to the California Attorney General.
The Delta College campus has had zero reports of major sexual assault reported in 2014-15, according to the most recent Clery Report release.
In 2013, however, Delta had four separate incidents involving students being fondled while walking in empty stairwell hallways.
A recent case involving a University of the Pacific student is bringing assault back into the spotlight.
Pacific student Rodolfo Buenrostro-Corral is accused of sexually assaulting another student off campus, according to local media reports.
Joe Silva, the spokesperson for the Stockton Police Department, told The Record the alleged attack occurred Dec. 8 or Dec. 9.
San Joaquin County court records show Buenrostro has a hearing set for March 18. The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s office website shows he’s still in custody.
“I didn’t even know about this, that’s scary, I feel bad because I am just finding out about this. An email would have been great but we are college kids who checks their email on a regular basis?” said Pacific student Erin Boongaling early March, when a Collegian reporter visited the campus.
The investigation against Buenrostro-Corral is pending.
“I wasn’t informed about this, I didn’t even know. I usually feel safe on campus. I feel as if they should have informed us this is serious. We usually receive emails about situations like this,” said Pacific student Michelle Wong.
Many victims don’t get justice because they don’t speak out. According to AAU study rates of reporting the assaults are low. 25 percent of victims typically speak out about physically forced penetration.
“It’s hard for the victims because there is a reluctance caused by shame,” said Officer Brian Doty with the campus police department.
Reporting the crimes can stop future crimes.
In 2008, the University of the Pacific took action against three men who allegedly raped a female off campus. One was expelled. Two others were suspended.
Sexual assaults on our campuses are and always will be a concern. Providing students with information can be very helpful.
Delta College’s campus police station can help students with safety information.
The district police have pamphlets about safety on Delta’s campus as well as a pamphlet from the Attorney General’s office on the Victims’ Bill of Rights Act of 2008 (Marsy’s Law).