Running head: COMMUNITY PROBLEM REPORT 1

Community Problem Report

Burt D. Courtney
University of Texas El Paso
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Abstract
This community problem report will cover many of the facts and myths of sexual assault.

The major focus of the report is to bring awareness of the problem. Some of the areas covered

will include statistical facts and different approaches to use the information. This paper will

define sexual assault, methods to prevent it, how to report it, and list some of the programs

available to receive help and support if it is ever encountered.

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One sexual assault is one too many! Sexual assaults have been documented in many

various ways. Such as, police reports, hospital examinations and anonymous surveys to name a

few. Part of the problem is that sexual assault is such a personal crime that the victims will often

not report it. Even the best research on the statistics requires a bit of educated guessing based on

the ratio of reports and compiled data from several sources. Sexual assault is a person on person

crime. However, awareness needs to the in the forefront of society. The people must be

educated about what sexual assault is, methods to protect from it, how to report and get help if

ever sexually assaulted.

Education and awareness is the most common sexual assault prevention method listed by

all the sources. Sexual assault is defined by most resources with almost the same definition.

They are not word for word, however generally mean the same thing. The following definition is

from the Rape and Incest National Network website (RAINN): “The term sexual assault refers to

sexual contact or behavior that occurs with out the consent of a victim”. The Center for Disease

Control and prevention (CDC) defines sexual violence as a sexual act committed against a

person without that person’s freely given consent. “The National Intimate Partner and Sexual

Violence Survey (NISVS) uses a broader definition of sexual violence, which specifically

mentions incidents in which the victim was unable to provide consent due to drug or alcohol use;

forced to penetrate another person; or coerced to engage in sexual contact (including nonphysical

pressure to engage in sex) unwanted sexual contact (including forcible kissing, fondling, or

grabbing); and noncontact unwanted sexual experiences that do not involve physical contact.

The CSA definition of rape and sexual assault includes unwanted sexual contact due to force and

due to incapacitation but excludes unwanted sexual contact due to verbal or emotional coercion.”

(Langton, C. 2014).
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There are many different types of statistics available through all the resources, but a

common problem is accuracy. Just as a sample, the graph above was pulled from the

RAINN.org website and only deals with college age students from age 18-24. “Sexual violence

is notoriously difficult to measure, and there is no single source of data that provides a complete

picture of the crime. On RAINN’s website, we have tried to select the most reliable source of

statistics for each topic. The primary data source being used is the National Crime Victimization

Survey (NCVS), which is an annual study conducted by the Justice Department. To conduct

NCVS, researchers interview tens of thousands of Americans each year to learn about crimes

that they’ve experienced. Based on those interviews, the study provides estimates of the total

number of crimes, including those that were not reported to police. While NCVS has a number of

limitations (most importantly, children under age 12 are not included), overall, it is the most
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reliable source of crime statistics in the U.S.” (RAINN.org). As you can see the largest amount

of reasons were listed as “other”. The second largest percent of non-reporting is shown as

“believed it was a personal matter”. Statistics collected by the CDC show that there is a greater

chance for women to report heart disease than sexual assault. “Sexual assault on campuses in the

United States is a hot-button issue. How big is the problem? It is hard to know because many

assaults go unreported. Surveys of college-age students have the potential to overcome this

problem.” (Beaver 2017). Every source has different way of presenting the problem of non-

reporting, however all sources make a reasonable approach to taking that into consideration. The

main problem with not reporting is that the victim may not be getting the medical attention

needed. A person is more likely to be assaulted by a person they know or are in a relationship

with. This can make reporting a tougher decision for the victim because they don’t want the

perpetrator to get in trouble. Another reason listed for not reporting sexual assault is the victim’s

belief that nothing could or would be done. The more education and awareness society has, the

higher the chances that sexual assault can be prevented.

Reporting sexual assault is also a good way to spread awareness and help to get sex offenders off

the streets. Senator Warren is quoted as making the statement “Our young people go to college

to learn about the world, to start their careers while they’re working hard to build their futures.

They should at the least feel safe on campus, and they should feel confident that if they are

victims of crimes, the people around them will respond quickly and with respect and

compassion”. (United States Senate 2017)

There are several ways to report. 911 is always the fastest way to get immediate help.

The National Sexual Assault hotline (800-656-4673) is available all day every day. When this

number is called the victim is directed to the nearest sexual assault center for help. Any one that
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calls this line has the option of confidentiality. The hotline offers access to medical facilities that

can provide care and are obligated to maintain confidentiality if the victim wishes it. If the

victim wish is to report the crime during medical treatment, then report it to the medical

provider. The medical provider will forward that information to the local law enforcement

agency. You can also report it to any law enforcement organization. The main goal of the

National Sexual Assault hotline is to get the victim the medical care and support needed. Sexual

assaults can also be reported to the Title IX staff on the University of Texas El Paso or to the

campus police department.

In conclusion, all sources document and strive towards sexual assault education. The

information is very broad topic and has many subcategories. The best prevention is knowledge.

Sexual harassment is a very personable problem, yet at the same tame it is a civic duty to address

this issue. The focus is often on what could the victim do better. It is not just the victim’s fault.

Education includes educating potential perpetrators on what sexual assault and consent mean.

Many times, the sexual assaults are a result of thinking culture will accept sexual assault. The

statistics have shown that it very likely that sexual assault will be at the hand of a perpetrator that

the victim knows. Not always a family member, or personal acquaintance. Often the perpetrator

can be someone the victim is just familiar with and recognizes them by face only. It has been

stated several times, the goal is to spread awareness about sexual assault. Knowing what

constitutes sexual assault is the start of prevention. Being aware that sexual assault is happening

and by whom is the next step. This allows people to evaluate situations more closely to try and

find preventive measures. When a sexual assault does happen, it is crucial to know reporting

options and medical care options. The victim’s health and care are always the number one

priority. One sexual assault is one too many!

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References

Beaver, W.R. (2017). Campus Sexual Assault. Independent Review, volume 22 (issue 2),

257-258.

Center for Disease Control and prevention, (n.d.), https://www.cdc.gov

Langton, C., Sirozich, S. (2014). Rape and Sexual Assault, Victimization Among College-Age

Females, 1995–2013. https://www.bjs.gov/index.cfm?ty=pbdetail&iid=5176

Rape Abuse and Incest National Network, (n.d.), https://www.rainn.org

Soave, R. (2017). Dear Prudence Meats Due Process. Reason, volume 49 (issue 7) 56-63

United States, Congress, Senate, Committee Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions (2017).

Examining Sexual Assault on Campus. http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/